The Philippine Association of Crab Processors, Inc. met with the legislators of the Provincial Government to propose projects that will ensure protection of Gravid (berried) and swimming blue crabs.

PACPI Chairman Boboy Eduardo said during the SP's regular session last Wednesday, that some of these proposed projects are the development of swimming crab hatcheries, protection of crab nursery areas, launching of educational programs for blue crab protection and holding of female berried crabs in cages.

Eduardo said "we aim to provide more income to fishermen and we will provide gravid crab holding cages to fishermen organizations and LGUs where it is allowed."

PACPI noted that the number of blue swimming crab, or kasag, has been decreasing over time due to overfishing.

He said their group, which aims to ensure sustainable marine life production, needs the cooperation of non-government organizations, local government units and business sector to make their proposed projects successful.

He said the group will also establish community assistance programs that will provide educational campaigns to educate fisherfolk on the importance of blue crabs.

Early this year, the province enacted an ordinance banning the catching of Gravid and undersized swimming blue crab.

In particular, the ordinance prohibits the catching or gathering of berried and undersized blue crabs with a carapace of less than 11 centimeters or 4.6 inches and use gill nets below 0.30 mm. twine size, 4 knots, with 50 mesh depth and below.

Violators will be punished with an imprisonment from six months to one year and fine of P5,000 or both fine and imprisonment.*