Indonesia’s mud crab industry faces extinction threat

[WORLD] Indonesia’s once-thriving mud crab industry, a vital source of income for coastal communities and a significant contributor to the country’s seafood exports, is facing an unprecedented threat that could lead to its extinction. Experts warn that unsustainable fishing practices, habitat destruction, and climate change are converging to jeopardize the future of this lucrative but vulnerable sector.

The Rise and Decline of Indonesia’s Mud Crab Industry

Mud crabs (genus Scylla), prized for their delicate meat and high market value, have long been a staple in Indonesia’s coastal economies. The country ranks among the world’s top producers and exporters of mud crab, supplying markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, mud crab exports generated approximately $150 million in revenue in 2023, supporting tens of thousands of fishermen and aquaculture farmers.

However, recent data show a troubling decline. Catch volumes have dropped by nearly 40% over the past five years, raising alarms among fisheries officials and environmentalists alike. The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) reported in early 2025 that several mud crab populations have shrunk dramatically, signaling a risk of collapse if current trends continue.

Unsustainable Fishing and Illegal Harvesting

A primary driver behind the industry’s downturn is unsustainable fishing. Many fishermen rely on methods such as trapping and dredging, which often capture juvenile crabs and breeding females before they can reproduce. This disrupts natural population regeneration.

Furthermore, illegal and unregulated fishing has proliferated along Indonesia’s extensive coastline. According to a 2024 report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), approximately 30% of mud crab catches are harvested without proper permits or quotas, exacerbating overfishing pressures.

Fisherman Agus Santoso, from East Java’s coastal village of Probolinggo, shares his concern:
"In the past, we used to catch enough mud crabs to support our families and sell surplus to markets. Now, the crabs are fewer, and we must travel further out to sea."

Habitat Loss and Environmental Degradation

The destruction of mangrove forests, which serve as critical nursery habitats for mud crabs, has further compounded the crisis. Indonesia has lost nearly 40% of its mangrove cover over the past two decades due to coastal development, shrimp farming, and logging, according to the Indonesian Mangrove Alliance.

Mangroves provide shelter and feeding grounds for juvenile crabs, and their degradation reduces survival rates. The loss of these habitats not only threatens mud crabs but also undermines coastal protection and biodiversity.

Climate Change: An Emerging Threat

Climate change adds another layer of complexity. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification affect crab physiology and breeding cycles. According to researchers at Bogor Agricultural University, warming waters have led to shifts in mud crab spawning seasons and reduced larval survival rates.

Extreme weather events such as storms and flooding also damage mangrove ecosystems, further reducing habitat availability. These environmental stressors create a challenging scenario for crab populations struggling to recover.

Efforts Toward Sustainable Management

Recognizing the urgency, the Indonesian government has launched several initiatives aimed at reversing the decline. These include:

Regulatory reforms: Stricter fishing quotas, enhanced monitoring of illegal catches, and penalties for non-compliance.

Mangrove restoration projects: National programs targeting the rehabilitation of degraded mangrove areas, with a goal to replant 50,000 hectares by 2030.

Community engagement: Empowering local fisherfolk with education on sustainable harvesting techniques and encouraging the adoption of aquaculture practices to reduce pressure on wild stocks.

Dr. Rina Kartini, a marine biologist with LIPI, stresses the importance of coordinated action:
"Without immediate and sustained efforts combining science, policy, and community participation, we risk losing a valuable natural resource and the livelihoods it supports."

The Role of Aquaculture and Innovation

Mud crab aquaculture presents a promising alternative to wild catch, with controlled farming potentially easing pressure on natural populations. Indonesian aquaculture operators have made advances in breeding techniques, though challenges remain in scaling up production and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Innovations such as hatchery-based juvenile crab release programs and eco-friendly farming systems are being piloted to support recovery efforts. However, these solutions require investment, training, and robust regulatory frameworks.

Economic and Social Implications

The potential collapse of the mud crab industry carries significant socio-economic consequences. Coastal communities heavily reliant on mud crab fishing face income loss and food insecurity. The seafood export sector, valued at over $5 billion annually for Indonesia, risks losing a critical revenue stream.

International buyers are also increasingly demanding sustainably sourced seafood, meaning failure to address these issues could jeopardize Indonesia’s reputation and market access.

Indonesia’s mud crab industry stands at a crossroads. The combination of overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate impacts threatens not only an important marine species but also the livelihoods of thousands. Effective management, enforcement, habitat restoration, and sustainable aquaculture development are essential to safeguard this industry’s future.

As the world’s demand for sustainable seafood grows, Indonesia’s ability to adapt and protect its mud crab populations will be a critical test of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.