Crab, Blue Swimmer – FAO Area 71 (Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia)
Blue Swimmer Crabs grow quickly, reach sexual maturity around age one, and live for three years. Two species of Blue Swimmer Crabs are found in the western Pacific Ocean and are commercially caught in several countries including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia.
Most of the U.S. supply of Blue Swimmer Crab comes from Indonesia and the Philippines. In these countries abundance levels are unknown and management regulations are just beginning to be implemented. In contrast, in Australia the abundance of Blue Swimmer Crab is likely at a healthy level and the fishery is well-managed.
Most Blue Swimmer Crabs are caught will traps and bottom gillnets, which result in moderate damage to the seafloor and significant levels of bycatch in some areas.