BACOLOD City – The provincial government is pushing for sustainable and adequate supply of blue crabs in Negros Occidental.
Provincial consultant on investment promotions Rafael Coscolluela said it is important to remember the sustainability of fishery products, specifically the blue swimming crabs locally known as “kasag.”
He urged the fishery stakeholders to allow crablets to grow into a marketable size for local trade and export.
Local government units and all other stakeholders that have anything to do with the crabs must be aware of the policies and the need for measures to maintain its viable population,” Coscolluela said.
In Negros Occidental, production areas for blue swimming crabs are in the coastal areas of Cauayan town in the south stretching toward Escalante City in the north.
E.B. Magalona, situated in northern Negros, is considered the province’s major producer of blue crabs, with a current average production of about five tons per day, mostly for exports.
Coscolluela noted that there has been an ordinance since 2003, prohibiting the “catching and selling” of crablets in the province.
“There might be problems in the enforcement. We should let blue swimming crabs grow. We should continue seeding crablets in the coastal areas to ensure continuing population,” he said. (With a report from PNA/PN)
