CSU Extension Services Office Leads the Establishment of Lying-in Structure for Blue Swimming Crab

The CSU Extension Services Office had conducted a Hands-on Training on Proper Handling of Blue Swimming Crab or BSC on March 23, 2021 at Barangay Calibunan, Cabadbaran City. The training is one of the capabilities building activities provided by the Caraga State University to ensure proper project implementation and management.

The Blue Swimming Crab (BSC), scientifically named Portunus pelagicus, locally known as “lambay” is an incredibly precarious commodity, with high market value. To ensure the sustainability of the BSC resources, CSU has established the BSC Lying-in Hatchery in Cabadbaran City. The project is headed by Dr. Romell A. Seronay, director of Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CRÈME) and Extension Services Office of Caraga State University.

The said project came out as resource sharing among Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) providing BSC Lying-in structure made of HDPE material; Cabadbaran City-LGU supporting in the operation, management, and maintenance of lying-in structure; and CSU giving the technical support and guidance for the operation and management of BSC lying-in project.

The project was participated by DA-BFAR 13, FishCORAL CARAGA, Cabadbaran City-LGU, CSU, and Magallanes and Cabadbaran fisherfolks/crabbers. The participants were oriented on the lying-in concept of gravid BSC as strategy to increase the crabs’ population.  Caretakers were taught on the proper handling, monitoring, and recording of the gravid crabs that are temporarily housed in the lying-in hatchery.

The active participation and support of fisherfolks who commit to bring live gravid crab catch to lying-in hatchery hoped to increase the population of BSC in the area, to sustain its market demands, at the same time augment the income of the fishermen. JRDA/pico