Crab Catch Research Articles

CURRENT STATE OF STOCK FOR TANNER CRAB CHIONOECETES BAIRDI RATHBUN, 1924 (CRUSTACEA, DECAPODA) AT THE SOUTH-EASTERN COAST OF KAMCHATKA

Tanner crab Chionoecetes bairdi is the highly valuable object of commercial fishery dwelling in the seas surrounding Kamchatka Peninsula. Its landings started at the southeastern coast of Kamchatka in early 1980s and continued till 2009, when the fishery was stopped by reasons independent on the stock state. It was launched again in 2017. Now the species is landed mostly in the Petropavlovskaya fishery subzone (62 % of the total allowable catch of tanner crab in Russia in 2019), whereas its stocks at southwestern Kamchatka and in the northwestern Bering Sea are rather low. Modern condition of the tanner crab population and its distribution at southeastern Kamchatka are considered on the data of the trap surveys conducted in spring and summer of 2012 and 2018. Between these years, commercial males of these species spread wider at southeastern Kamchatka and formed commercial aggregations in the northern Avachinsky Bay and in the southern and central parts of the Kronotsky Bay, but were rare southward from Cape Povorotny. They became larger: while size of the males varied in the range 50–170 mm in both years, the males with the carapace width < 120 mm prevailed in 2012, but the large-sized males with commercial size were more numerous in 2018. Percentage of the females in the catches was low both in 2012 and 2018 that is typical for the trap catches. The crabs at the 3rd stage of molting dominated both in May and August of 2012 and 2018. Injury level of the commercial males was rather high and increased from 2012 to 2018 in 8 %. Good current condition of the tanner crab population at southeastern Kamchatka is concluded.

Salt marsh shoreline geomorphology influences the success of restored oyster reefs and use by associated fauna

Restoration is increasingly implemented as a strategy to mitigate global declines in biogenic habitats, such as salt marshes and oyster reefs. Restoration efforts could be improved if we knew how site characteristics at landscape scales affect the ecological success of these foundation species. In this study, we determined how salt marsh shoreline geomorphologies (e.g. with variable hydrodynamic energy, fetch, erosion rates, and slopes) affect the success of restored intertidal oyster reefs, as well as how fauna utilize restored reefs and forage along marsh habitats. We constructed oyster reefs along three marsh shoreline geomorphologies in May 2012: 1) “creek” (small‐fetch, gradual‐sloped shoreline), “ramp” (large‐fetch, gradual‐sloped shoreline), and “scarp” (large‐fetch, steep‐sloped shoreline). Following recruitment, oyster spat density was greatest on ramp reefs; however, 2 years later, the highest adult oyster densities were found on creek reefs. Total nekton and blue crab catch rates in trawl nets were highest in the creek, while piscivore catch rates in gill nets were highest along the scarp shoreline. We found no difference in predation on snails in the salt marsh behind constructed reef and nonconstructed reference sites, but there were more snails consumed in the creek shoreline, which corresponded with the distribution of their major predator—blue crabs. We conclude that oyster reef construction was most successful for oysters in small‐fetch, gradual‐sloped, creek environments. However, nekton abundance did not always follow the same trends as oyster density, which could suggest constructed reefs may offer similar habitat‐related functions (prey availability and refuge) already present along existing salt marsh borders.

Bottom Currents Affect Spanner Crab Catch Rates in Southern Queensland, Australia

AbstractDuring daily fishing operations, spanner crab Ranina ranina catch rates can fluctuate substantially, but the environmental drivers responsible for these fluctuations largely remain unresolved. Earlier research suggests that spanner crab catchability increases with strengthening currents, but uncertainties surround the magnitude of the measured current speeds and, consequently, their relationship with catch rates. Here, we explore the effects of bottom currents on spanner crab catch rates in South East Queensland, Australia. Using generalized additive mixed modeling, our results indicated that strengthening current speeds increased catch rates until reaching approximately 0.15 m/s, at which point the catch rates began to gradually decline. Results from a general linear regression model also showed that between fishing periods carried out on the same day, catch rates increased or decreased concurrently with current speeds. We conclude that bottom current speed should be considered in future stock assessment models. Better understanding the processes responsible for changes in bottom current speed will enable more accurate estimates of spanner crab population densities in the Australian fishery and will benefit the economic efficiency of commercial crabbing operations. Furthermore, future studies that investigate the effects of current speed on catch rates for other crab species should consider differences in locomotory characteristics and how they may impact the foraging efficiency of crabs under different flow conditions.

Effect of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on snow crab catch rates in the Barents Sea pot fishery

Abstract Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) has become an important species for the Norwegian seafood industry since its first commercial harvest in 2012. However, periodically catch rates can be low, causing a financial strain on the fishery. Thus, improving the catch rate of existing pot designs has the potential to significantly improve the profitability of fishing enterprises. In this study, we investigated whether the addition of low-powered purple and white light-emitting diode (LED) fishing lights inside the pots could improve catch rates of snow crab in the Barents Sea. Results showed that pots with purple lights harvested a 12.8% higher catch per unit effort (CPUE; number of crab per pot) of legal-sized crab, which was significantly more than the control pots (p = 0.035); pots with white lights did not catch significantly more crab (p > 0.05). Pots equipped with only light (no bait) caught very few crabs and were not considered a viable alternative. Although purple LEDs increased snow crab capture, the economic benefits of using underwater lights in pots remains unclear given the high capital investment required.

Profile and behavior of the consumers of soft crab caught with cages at Brazil coast

The coast of Brazil has showed in recent decades a decline in fishing activity of fish and shrimp, and along the time, the fishermen sought some other ways to get sustenance to their families. Among the new activities, appeared the fishing for soft crab with cages, currently practiced by more than 350 families that extract the meat from the soft crab in the Brazilian coast. Despite the relevance there was found no studies on this subject that discloses data on consumer preferences of this product, so in this regard, was held between September and November 2018 an exploratory-descriptive study with 177 consumers. The study revealed that the fried soft crab shell is the main delicacy preferred by the consumer, who consumes an average of 2.69 times a year. Consumption does not change in relation to age, gender and marital status, however, was noted an statistical differences by Spearman correlation coefficient, as it raises the level of education (r = 0,321;p <0.001), and income (r = 0,590; p < 0,001), consumption rises.

Evaluation of open- and closed-eyed entrances on retention and escape of invasive swimming crabs and associated fauna from pots in their native range

Fishing trials targeting several invasive swimming crab species in their native habitat were undertaken using two types of collapsible pot, one with open-eyed entrances and the other with closed-eyed entrances, to analyse differences in catch retention between them. The open-eyed pot was dome-shaped with two funnel entrances located at opposite ends, whereas the closed-eyed pot had two soft sleeves that ended in slits and had to be pushed through by organisms to ingress, supposedly reducing escape. Retention fishing trials (100 pot hauls per pot type) using a 1-day soaking and fish bait confirmed no significant difference in crab catches between pot types; differences were only detected for large fish (morays and congers). A second set of 4-day escape trials (20 pots per type) was undertaken to investigate how long organisms would be detained in the pots. Escape was significantly affected, and half-residences were typically delayed by 1–2 days for most crabs and fish in closed-eyed entrance pots because the entrances closed. Closed-eyed entrances hampered escape and may be useful when longer soakings are needed; however, because no differences were detected in crab numbers between the two entrance types for short soakings, we recommend open-eyed entrance pots in order to mitigate possible ghost fishing effects from lost gear.

PENGARUH JENIS UMPAN YANG BERBEDA TERHADAP HASIL TANGKAPAN KEPITING BAKAU (Scylla serrata) DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN ALAT TANGKAP BUBU

Mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) is one of the fishery commodities that have higheconomic value. In addition, mangrove crab is one of export commodities to several countries such as United States, Europe, Australia, Japan, Hongkong,Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea. In general, the fishing activities of mangrove crabs in the general waters of many fishermen use different baits,it's just not known which bait is best for catching mangrove crabs. The purpose ofthis study is to determine the effect of using different types of bait to the mangrove crab catch by using bubu and know the type of bait that is most effective against the catching of mangrove crab. This research method used Completely Randomized Design (RAL) with three treatments and three replications: P1 = shredded fish, P2 = Shark skin bark, and P3 = Chicken head bait. The parameters in this study are the number of catches, the feed response and the water quality parameters, the results of this study indicate the number of catches P1 = 55.55%, P2 = 22.22% and P3 = 33.33%. While feed response time in this research P1 = 1.61, P2 = 12.03, and P3 = 11.74. From the results of this study showed the use of different baits have a very significant effect on the number of mangrove crabs (scilla serata). While the feedback response also shows the results are very real (Fcal&gt; Ftab).

Formulating marine sanctuary designation for sustainable management of blue swimming crab in Lancang Island, Kepulauan Seribu

Lancang Island is the center of fisheries of blue swimming crab in Kepulauan Seribu, Jakarta. Most of the inhabitants in this island are fishermen, and blue swimming crab is the main target without considering the stocks. One of the management effort of blue swimming crab by the government is the restriction of catchment size. To support the government policy and to maintain the population stocks and the sustainability of blue swimming crab around Lancang Island, we need another effort such us proposing area of Marine Sanctuary. The analysis of possibility area of the marine sanctuary was performed with simulated annealing using Marxan. The datasets were used in analysis included geomorphic model of habitat (sea floor), coastal ecosystems, blue swimming crab catches (sample size, location, and fishing pressure). The results obtained three possibility locations of the marine sanctuary, which is around of Laki Island, Southern, and Southeastern of Lancang Island. From the possibility locations, we recommend the first location as the Marine Sanctuary with considering the more diverse of features represented.

The Effects of Sex and Seasonality on the Metal Levels of Warty Crab (Eriphia verrucosa) in the Black Sea

ABSTRACTThe present paper examines the impacts of gender and season variables on the nutritional composition and metal levels of warty crab caught in the central Black Sea region (Ordu). Crab samples were caught over four seasons, using gillnets, trammel net, and SCUBA diving. Results of chemical analysis showed that protein, lipid, moisture, and total mineral substance level ranges of male crabs were 20.45–22.64%, 0.95–1.27%, 75.44–77.09%, and 1.63–2.08%, while these ranges in female individuals were determined as 19.45–21.46%, 0.63–0.92%, 75.44–77.44%, and 2.08–3.28%, respectively. Macro and trace element levels in crab muscle tissue were determined as K > P > Na > Ca > Mg and Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Se > Ni > Mo > Co, respectively. Cd and Pb levels in crab muscle tissue were determined to be lower than the limit values given in codices independent of the seasonal variables. However, as the levels were found to be above the limit values, metal concentrations in crabs were also evaluated based on provisional tolerable daily intake and provisional tolerable weekly intake limits.

A CAPTURA DO CARANGUEJO-Uí­"¡Á (Ucides cordatus) NO SISTEMA ESTUARINO DE SANTOS-SÃO VICENTE: A ETNOECOLOGIA DOS CATADORES DE CARANGUEJO DA VILA DOS PESCADORES, CUBATÃO (SP), BRASIL

O caranguejo-uçá (Ucides cordatus) é um recurso pesqueiro utilizado pelos pescadores artesanais da Baixada Santista, litoral paulista, sendo importante para a subsistência de inúmeras famí­­lias. A partir de 2014, restrições legais í­Â captura desta espécie motivaram ações para a regulamentação dos catadores de caranguejo dessa região. Como parte deste processo, foi realizada uma pesquisa etnoecológica. Dentre os agrupamentos de pescadores da região, a Vila dos Pescadores, em Cubatão (SP), consiste no mais importante em relação í­Â cata do caranguejo-uçá. Entre junho/2015 e abril/2016, foram aplicadas entrevistas estruturadas aos catadores de caranguejo, na própria localidade. Os resultados obtidos quanto o perfil socioeconômico e produtivo dos catadores, as diferentes formas de manejo e regras de uso do recurso, a comercialização do produto, bem como os problemas e possí­­veis ações visando a melhoria das condições de vida dos catadores são discutidos no presente trabalho. Os resultados apresentados serão úteis para subsidiar ações de ordenamento da captura, bem como no reconhecimento dos pescadores que dependem deste recurso pesqueiro.

A “BRD” in the Hand Worthy of Four in the Trap: Validation of Optimal Bycatch Reduction Device (BRD) Size to Maximize Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Entry and Diamondback Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin Exclusion Through Theoretical Modeling and Application

AbstractWire‐mesh traps are extensively used to harvest blue crabs Callinectes sapidus but also capture over 40 other species. Numerous studies have evaluated bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) to reduce the incidental capture of one species, the diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin, since 1992. Despite decades of research, widespread adoption of BRDs as a conservation action has not occurred, which partly stems from seemingly conflicting results from a multitude of BRD designs along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. In this study, we developed a simple scoring system to assess the probability of trap entry by legal‐sized (≥12.7‐cm carapace width; n = 736) blue crabs as well as trap exclusion of diamondback terrapins (n = 985) based on morphometric measurements for both species. Probability of entry or exclusion for each legal‐sized blue crab and diamondback terrapin was assessed for each of 8,196 theoretical BRD sizes encompassing the range of BRD widths and heights actually tested since 1992. Predictive relationships for trap entry or exclusion for each theoretical BRD size were evaluated as a function of three geometric BRD attributes: BRD area (cm2), diagonal BRD opening (cm), and the ratio of BRD width to height. Comparison of observed (35 data sets) versus predicted (entry or exclusion probabilities for BRDs) catches for both species revealed that BRDs have performed as predicted for legal‐sized blue crab catch (slope = 0.99; &gt;81,000 crabs) but have captured considerably fewer diamondback terrapins than predicted based on BRD size alone (slope = 0.28; 1,430 diamondback terrapins). Analyses also substantiated superior (i.e., &gt;30% better) diamondback terrapin exclusion potential for a BRD we designed that measured 5.1–6.4 cm (height) × 7.3 cm (width). Increasing the width of this BRD by 0.4 cm would also achieve a 99% capture probability for legal‐sized blue crabs, comparable to other widely tested and marketed BRD designs.

Evaluation of the Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 Bycatch in Artisanal Fisheries in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT We evaluated the incidental catch of the blue crab in artisanal fisheries through the analysis of sex ratio, catch per unit effort, net positioning, and size in which the capture probability was 50% (P50). The specimens were collected from 2011 to 2013 in the estuary of Patos Lagoon, southern Brazil. The analysis showed a higher occurrence of males. Variations in the catch per unit effort showed greatest abundance values close to the mouth of the estuary. Catch per unit effort was similar when comparing fishing seasons and net positions. P50 indicated a low selectivity of the nets since it varied between studied areas but stayed below the size at first maturity. Catches indicated a greater effort on males, since females migrated to spawn in the ocean area adjacent to the estuary during the fishing period studied. The spatial variation of the catch per unit effort showed heterogeneity in fishing catches. Thus, optimal management of the resource should consider the particularities of each area.

Dungeness Crab Trap Catch Efficiency Related to Escape Ring Location and Size

AbstractThe Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister (Cancer magister) supports a commercially important fishery along the West Coast of the United States. Only male crabs above a certain size limit may be retained (i.e., legal‐size males). Escape rings are used in traps to create circular holes that facilitate the release of both females and undersized males (sublegal crabs). Sublegal crabs that are retained in a trap can suffer stress, injury, and mortality. In this experiment, both the location and size of the escape ring were modified in an effort to reduce retention rates of sublegal crabs. Four different trap configurations were used: (1) a standard trap without escape rings (control configuration); (2) an unmodified trap with two 4.25‐in‐diameter escape rings on top (standard configuration); (3) a standard trap with one 4.25‐in‐diameter escape ring placed in each corner adjacent with the bottom (modified 4.25‐in configuration); and (4) a trap with two 4.5‐in‐diameter escape rings on top and one 4.5‐in‐diameter escape ring placed in each corner adjacent with the bottom (modified 4.5‐in configuration). Two different catch statistics were compared among trap configurations: catch of legal‐size males and catch of sublegal crabs. No statistical difference was observed in the catch of legal‐sized males in any trap configuration. Compared with the standard configuration, the two modified configurations caught significantly fewer sublegal crabs. Catches of sublegal crabs were not statistically different between the modified 4.25‐in and modified 4.5‐in configurations.Received December 6, 2016; accepted June 13, 2017 Published online August 22, 2017

Modelización de la captura y fases de desarrollo de la pesquería de la jaiba azul (Callinectes sapidus) en la Laguna Madre, Tamaulipas, México

La captura promedio anual de la pesquería de la jaiba azul (Callinectes sapidus) (JA) en Tamaulipas, México se estima en 2 733 T, de la cual, el 82 % se pesca en la Laguna Madre, sitio que se considera aprovechado al máximo de su capacidad. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue modelar la captura anual de la JA en la Laguna Madre, Tamaulipas, mediante el ajuste de funciones matemáticas de tipo lineal y no lineal (o curvilínea), a la serie de tiempo de 1998 a 2012, además de identificar las fases de desarrollo de la pesquería, de acuerdo a varios modelos generalizados. Se utilizó el enfoque de la teoría de la información y el procedimiento de la inferencia multimodelo (IMM). Se ajustaron 11 modelos de regresión lineal y no lineal. Para la selección de modelos se utilizaron los criterios de información Akaike corregido (CIAc) y bayesiano (CIB). Para el IMM se consideró el nivel ∆i &lt; 2 de plausibilidad de CIAc y CIB. Los modelos elegidos para el IMM fueron compuesto, crecimiento, exponencial, logístico, potencial y el sigmoideo, considerándose como más adecuados los primeros cuatro modelos citados. Los modelos promedio del IMM presentaron valores de β0 y β1 de 0.939 y 0.377 respectivamente, según CIAc; y de 0.952 y 0.344 respectivamente, de acuerdo al CIB. Solo los modelos compuesto y logístico mostraron significancia estadística en sus dos parámetros de re-gresión (β0 y β1). El índice de sustentabilidad pesquera reveló seis periodos de la captura y una disminución en magnitud de los cambios de la captura. La serie de datos analizada incluye dos ciclos de vida de acuerdo a los modelos de Csirke y Caddy. Los resultados mostraron que al final del periodo estudiado la pesquería se encontraba en colapso y decadencia.

On the distribution of the red king crab in the White Sea Throat

New data on the distribution of the red king crab in the White Sea Throat are given based on of trap surveys of 2015–2016. The red king crab was found at depths of 44–54 m at salinity at the bottom of 29.2‰ and at a bottom temperature of 6.7°C. Crab catches in the White Sea Throat amounted to 8.7 ind./trap. The catches contained females without eggs and males, including those of commercial sizes. The ways of penetration of the red king crab into the White Sea Throat are discussed. It is suggested that crabs perform annual migrations from the funnel-shaped entrance to the Throat Strait. It is also assumed that the population that inhabits the northern part of the White Sea Throat is sustainable.

Experiments with By-Catch Reduction Devices to Exclude Diamondback Terrapins and Retain Blue Crabs

Experiments were completed in SE Virginia during June–July 2014 and 2015 to examine the responses of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) to commercial-style crab pots modified in visual and other ways that might attract and retain crabs while excluding terrapins as by-catch. In a seawater tank, far fewer crabs entered crab pots fitted with red plastic by-catch reduction devices (BRDs), relative to pots without BRDs. Crab retention times, however, were significantly longer in pots fitted with red BRDs. In a second experiment, fewer terrapins entered crab pots with funnels painted red relative to black. From a field pilot study, the legal crab catch from pots with red BRDs was similar to pots without BRDs, and terrapin by-catch was reduced. Relative to those treatments, fewer crabs and more terrapins were captured in pots with orange BRDs and blue BRDs, and in pots with a magnetic field directed into the funnel openings. Based on these results, a final field trial yielded comparable crab catch from 15 pots without BRDs and 15 pots fitted with red plastic BRDs. Of a by-catch of 68 terrapins, 58 were from pots without BRDs. The structure and color of BRDs can exclude most terrapins; because crab retention rates are high, the net effect of BRDs on crab catch is relatively minor, even though fewer crabs may enter pots fitted with BRDs.

Ethnoknowledge of uçá-crab collectors, Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea: Decapoda), in the Várzea do Una Mangroves (São José da Coroa Grande, Pernambuco, Brazil)

The catch of crab within the estuarine complexes is the main economic source of riparian communities throughout Northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the ethnoknowledge of uçá-crab collectors in the District of Várzea do Una, in the Municipality of São José da Coroa Grande (Pernambuco State, Brazil), as well as to infer on their perception regarding the activity of catching the uçá-crab Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea: Decapoda), and regarding the mangrove. For the evaluation of ethnobiological and socio-economic issues relating to the crab collectors, a structured questionnaire was applied. Regarding the socio-economic profile of the collectors, they are professionals with a poor quality of life, with no prospect of progression, living in permanent preservation areas, and extracting from them the resources to survive. It was demonstrated that the studied community of uçá-crab collectors strongly interacts with the mangrove, and the empirical knowledge, in several situations, perfectly correlated with the data available in the scientific literature. Thus, it becomes evident that the knowledge of the crab collectors can contribute to scientific studies and should be considered in the development of actions aiming at the local management and preservation of this fishery resources.

The effects of bycatch reduction devices on diamondback terrapin and blue crab catch in the North Carolina commercial crab fishery

The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is endemic to marshes, coves, and tidal creeks on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Currently, the terrapin is listed as a species of special concern in several states where one of the prominent threats to populations is the drowning of terrapins in commercial crab pots. Bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) that narrow the funnel opening on crab pots exclude terrapins, but BRDs face opposition from the fishing industry due to fears that they will decrease target species catch. The primary goals of this research were to examine the efficacy of two sizes of BRDs in excluding terrapins from crab pots and to assess the impact of BRDs on blue crab catch. Crab pots were deployed in paired and triplicate designs at estuarine sites along the central and southern coast of North Carolina in the summers of 2012 and 2013. A total of 4039 legal sized blue crabs and 14 terrapins were captured over the course of the study. Bycatch reduction devices did not have a statistically significant effect on catch rates or carapace width of legal-sized blue crabs. Thirteen of the 14 captured terrapins were in control pots, and one male terrapin was captured in a pot equipped with a large size BRD. An integrated approach that combines data on the spatial ecology and demography of terrapins with information on the most appropriate BRD dimensions for terrapin exclusion is most likely to succeed in addressing the issue of terrapin bycatch.

Occurrence of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus, Rathbun, 1896, and its fisheries biology in Bardawil Lagoon, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

This study reports the yearly occurrence and the biology of fisheries belonging to the blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rath.) in the catch yield of Bardawil Lagoon (BL) in Sinai Peninsula, Egypt over the past 15years. The study shows that between the years 2000–2015 the crustacean fishery increased (pooling both shrimp and crabs) with fluctuations from 40% to 63% of the total production of the lagoon. The crab yield, during this period, increased from 19% to 42% of the total lagoon production. Moreover, the results show that the crab catch of BL is composed mainly of two crab species Portunus pelagicus (L.) and C. sapidus (Rath.). The latter is considered the most dominant in the crab yield with 85% of the total crab production, while C. sapidus is only 15%. The size of C. sapidus ranged between 65 and 155mm (carapace width) with a dominance of the class size 105mm. Furthermore, the ratio of C. sapidus males to females was in favor of males. The regression of width–length relationship showed a marked deviation from the isometric growth. Length–width and body weight regressions also showed deviations from the isometric growth and the analysis of the covariance. This indicates the significant difference between sexes in respect to length weight relationship. The interrelationships between width–length and propodus length and depth of males and with abdomen in females of C. sapidus suggested that in most conditions the relationships were positive and highly significant. This study shows the first insights on the status of C. sapidus in Bardawil Lagoon, Egypt.

VARIABILITY OF CARAPACE WIDTH SIZE AND ABUNDANCE OF BLUE SWIMMING CRABS (Portunus pelagicus Linnaeus) IN PATI WATERS

Fishing effort enhancement would put pressure on blue swimming crab resources and its ecosystem. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial distribution based on the size of the carapace width (CW), abundance, temperature, salinity, depth, and fishing intensity in Pati waters which was divided into two zones (zones 1=nearshore, zone 2=offshore). The result showed that the average of carapace width in zone 1 to zone 2 was significantly different (p &lt;0.05), as well as between males and females. Average number of individual (abundance) was significantly different according to fishing areas and sex (p &lt;0.05). The average of water temperature in zone 1 was higher than in zone 2, salinity in zone 1 was smaller than in zone 2, and the water depth in zone 1 was shallower than in zone 2. The higher the crab catch intensity leaded to the smaller the abundance and size of carapace width. Alternative management strategies were proposed such as to divert fishing grounds from coastal waters to offshore during low productivity season, to uphold rules on minimum legal size for catching (Lm = 107 mm), to release of berried females catch, and to reduce accretion rate of gear and fishing fleet mainly in the coastal zone waters.Keywords: blue swimming crab, carapace widht (CW), abundance, intensity of fishing