ILOILO – In a bid to enhance local marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing practices, the provincial government released 3,185 blue swimming crabs at Sitio Banban, Tambaliza, Concepcion town.
The initiative, led by the Agriculture and Fisheries Division under the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO), took place last December 2024.
Blue swimming crabs, known scientifically as Portunus pelagicus, are prized for their tender meat and play a crucial role in the local economy.
A staple in both domestic and export markets, these crabs provide income for thousands of fisherfolk in coastal communities, particularly in Northern Iloilo.
The reseeding program aims to replenish dwindling crab populations caused by overfishing and habitat loss.
It also seeks to support the livelihoods of local fisherfolk while ensuring the long-term health of Iloilo’s marine ecosystem.
This initiative is in line with the provincial government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable aquatic resource management.
PAgrO emphasized that the project is part of Iloilo’s broader strategy to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
“This effort ensures a healthier environment and a more resilient fishing industry for future generations,” the office noted.
This is not the first reseeding activity by PAgrO. In October 2024, the office successfully released 1,123 crablets at the same site in Barangay Tambaliza, also under the Blue Swimming Crab Reseeding Project./PN
