Ministry releases 500,000 crabs to boost stock
A WORKING group from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries recently released 500,000 mangrove horseshoe crabs, also known as round-tailed Blue swimming crabs, into the Tomnup Roloak Community Fisheries Area in Preah Sihanouk province.
The 20-day-old Blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus) were released in a ceremony presided over by ministry undersecretaries of state Lor Reaksmey and Hou Sopor on February 2. The event, organised by the Marine
Aquaculture Research & Development Centre (MARDeC) in collaboration with relevant authorities, aims to boost crab populations in their natural habitat and supports conservation efforts.
As per the ministry’s statement, the release resulted from MARDeC’s innovative breeding programme. They were set free in the fisheries area northeast of the popular Kbal Chhay waterfalls.
Chea Phallin, executive director ofWild Earth Allies Cambodia (WEA) – a local NGO – said crabs play a crucial role as a significant income source for coastal fishermen. Releasing spawning crabs, he noted, also contributes to maintaining stable crab stocks.
“Stakeholders are coordinating this and similar events to promote collaborative efforts in enhancing natural crab stocks and sustaining the supply in our country. To safeguard the well-being of crabs, participation involves adhering to four don’ts: refrain from catching, buying, selling or consuming spawning crabs. Additionally, four dos include respecting the law, releasing, participating actively and serving as role models,” he said.