Production and marketing practices of mangrove crab industry towards sustainability in Bataan, Philippines

Abstract

This showed a comprehensive study on the mangrove crab industry in Bataan, Philippines. Mangrove crab growers (35%) were between 51-60 years old, mostly married with 5-7 family members. Farming was highest (30.77%) between 6-10 years while some were farming for 40 years (1.29%). Monthly income has strong positive correlation (r=676) with production area. Scylla serrata, S. olivacea, and S. tranquebarica were identified using traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Results revealed 69.57% of the pond used for farming was 1-10 ha employing the polyculture method. About 52.17% used coin-sized crablets while 39.13% fly-sized. Annual production was less than a ton for 46.38% growers while 1.45% have >5 tons. Annual income showed a strong positive correlation (r=0.886 and r=0.815) with production area and annual production, showing a significant difference (p<001). Harvested crabs were marketed live in Orani Port. Grading and pricing were due to sex, weight, and characteristics. Problems include the implementation of FAO 264 s. 2020, weather, market practice, pandemic, and high rejections. Men and women play significant roles where laborious were perceived to be men’s sphere while less laborious and financial aspects were for women.