Efforts to advance sustainable mangrove crab fisheries in Southeast Maluku continue to progress. The Global Environment Facility (GEF-6) Coastal Fisheries Initiative (CFI) Indonesia program facilitated The Working Group (Pokja) meeting of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for Mangrove Crab in the Hoat Sorbay Bay area. The meeting marks a key step toward accelerating the MSC certification process for Southeast Maluku mangrove crab fisheries—a globally recognized sustainability standard.

The Working Group (Pokja) meeting of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for Mangrove Crab in the Hoat Sorbay Bay area was facilitated through grant funding from the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia. Ambon, 4 November 2025

The event, held at the Hotel Santika Ambon, brought together 30 participants from local government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, fishing groups, and development partners including WWF-Indonesia and the GEF-6 CFI Indonesia PMU team. Also in attendance were senior officials including the Head of the Maluku Provincial Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP) and the Head of Fish Quarantine, Quality Control and Fishery Products Safety (KIPM).

Balancing Economic Value and Resource Sustainability

In his remarks, Erawan Aiskin stressed the importance of balancing increasing fishers’ income with the long-term sustainability of crab stocks. He noted that market demand—particularly from export buyers—could not be fully met due to limited stocks and catches that did not meet standards.

The Head of the Maluku DKP, Erawan Asikin, delivered his remarks and officially opened the MSC Mangrove Crab Working Group meeting for the Hoat Sorbay Bay area. The meeting was facilitated through grant funding from GEF-6 CFI Indonesia. Ambon, 4 November 2025.

“Fishers must be able to meet buyers’ standards without compromising stock sustainability. Fishing areas and dishing season regulations are needed to maintain local income levels,” he stated. Aiskin encouraged participants to support the improvement of performance indicators toward MSC certification, enabling Southeast Maluku mangrove crab fisheries to be internationally recognized as environmentally responsible and sustainable.

Scientific Presentation: Mangrove Crab Stock Status in Hoat Sorbay Bay

During the discussion session, researcher and Working Group expert Kamaluddin Kasim presented findings on the population and management status of mangrove crabs in Hoat Sorbay Bay. According to the decision of the Head of the Maluku DKP, the minimum catch size has been formally established:

• Giant mud crab (Scylla serrata) — minimum carapace width of 15 cm and a minimum weight of 600 grams.
• Orange mud crab (Scylla olivacea) — minimum carapace width of 13 cm and a minimum weight of 480 grams.

Kamaluddin Kasim presented the results of the Stock Assessment and Harvest Strategy for Mangrove Crab Fisheries in Southeast Maluku Regency, Ambon, 4 November 4 2025.

Kamaludin explained that while giant mud crabs are still relatively abundant, orange mud crabs are showing signs of population decline due to intensive harvesting. “Orange mud crabs are more vulnerable because their habitat is limited, and they are often caught before reaching reproductive maturity,” he noted.

Stock assessment results from 2020–2024 indicate that Scylla serrata remains above the sustainable biomass threshold (B/BMSY > 1), whereas S. olivacea has fallen below safe limits (B/BMSY < 1; F/FMSY > 1.4). A Schaefer surplus production model estimated the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) at 1,940 tons for S. serrata and 1,257 tons for S. olivacea. Accordingly, their annual production should not exceed these levels to allow natural stock recovery.

The survey on Stock Assessment and Harvest Strategy Development for Mangrove Crab Fisheries in Southeast Maluku Regency was supported through GEF-6 CFI Indonesia grant funding.

The Length-Based Spawning Potential Ratio (LBSPR) analysis further revealed that many crabs are being harvested before they have the chance to reproduce—particularly S. olivacea, which recorded an SPR below 0.25. S. serrata showed a slightly more favorable status (SPR 0.28–0.38), but remains below the ideal conservation threshold (≥ 0.40).

Working Group Agreement: Harvest Rules and Habitat Protection

The Working Group meeting resulted in an official Agreement Document to guide fishers, collectors, and buyers in supporting sustainable crab resource management. Key points include: Minimum harvest size recommendations: S. serrata: 15 cm carapace width or minimum 600 g body weight.. S. olivacea: 14 cm carapace width or minimum 400 g body weight; Mandatory release of egg-bearing female crabs back into the wild; Prohibition of crab harvesting in Bidubloat (Ohoi Evu) and Ohoi Warwut to protect spawning areas.; Revision of the Maluku Provincial DKP Decree on size and weight restrictions; Recommended annual catch quotas: 1.94 tons for S. serrata and 1.25 tons for S. olivacea; Annual Mangrove Crab Working Group meetings to monitor stock status and management progress.

These measures form the part of the proposed Harvest Strategy and Harvest Control Rule (HCR) derived from scientific evidence. The strategy includes minimum harvest size regulations, gear restrictions, seasonal closures during spawning periods, and enhanced monitoring of mangrove habitats that serve as critical nursery grounds for juvenile crabs.

Model simulations show that increasing the average harvest size by 5–10% could raise SPR values above 0.50, significantly improving the prospects for natural reproductive success. In turn, this strategy is expected not only to safeguard crab stocks, but also to secure long-term economic benefits for coastal communities dependent on the fishery.

Towards MSC Certification and the Future of Sustainable Fisheries

The Working Group Meeting on MSC Mangrove Crab Fisheries in Hoat Sorbay Bay marks an important milestone in the long journey toward achieving *Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification*. This certification signifies that a fishery meets globally recognized standards for resource sustainability, ecosystem protection, and transparent and accountable management systems.

Through collaboration among government agencies, fishers, academics, and development partners, the mangrove crab fishery in Southeast Maluku is expected to become a model of sustainable fisheries for Eastern Indonesia. With the application of scientific principles and active community participation, achieving balance between ecological conservation and economic prosperity is no longer an aspiration but a tangible future for coastal areas in Maluku.