DA sets stricter conservation measures for ‘alimasag’

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed stricter conservation measures for catching blue swimming crabs, known locally as alimasag, to preserve its dwindling population.

A joint administrative order of the DA and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued on Jan, 20 prohibits the possession and trade of juvenile blue swimming crabs that are less than 10.2 centimeters carapace width.

Coastal municipalities may adopt a higher size limit.

Possession and transport of berried --egg-bearing-- blue swimming crabs shall also be prohibited.

Violation of the regulation on the minimum carapace width is punishable with a fine of between P2,000 to P20,000 and  imprisonment of six months to two years. 

Capture of blue swimming crabs within the closed season is also punishable by a fine of P6,000 and fofeiture of catch and cancellation of fishing permit. Offenders may also be imprisoned for six months to six years.

Possession and transport of berried crabs is punishable with imprisonment for six months to eight years and a fine of P80,000. The catch would also be forfeited and the fishing license revoked.

Fines imposed on offenders shall increase by 10 percent every three years to  compensate for inflation and maintain the deterrent function of such fines.

Blue swimming crabs are also known by the names kasag, dariway, bansaway, galeway, lambay and masag.

These crustaceans are identified by their flat and rough carapace. Female blue swimming crabs are mottled green brown in coloring while male crabs are mottled blue.

Juvenile females have a triangular-shaped abdominal flap  while mature  have a broader, semi-circular abdominal flap. Males have a T-shaped abdomen.

Local government units were ordered to maintain or update their existing list of crab catchers for use in the monitoring of conservation measures. The master list shall contain description of fishing gears used as well as the mesh sizes of nets.

Only single-layer crab entangling nets shall be allowed for catching blue swimmer crabs while crab liftnets shall have a minimum mesh size of 11 centimeters.

Municipal fisheries offices are also directed to establish holding cages for berried crabs caught in municipal waters.