Mud Crab Resource Development in Bangladesh: A Review

Abstract

This paper reviews the current status of, and future potential for, mud crab resources in Bangladesh. Among 16 reported species, mud crab (Scylla spp.) is one of the most potential aqua-resources of Bangladesh, which, however, has remained in a primitive stage. It remains an absolutely export-oriented artisanal fishery based on harvest from wild sources of coastal tidal water bodies of Bangladesh. High international demand with comparatively good returns in a short period of time has triggered the fattening of rejected male and female crabs in small earthen ponds using locally available trash by the coastal poor. High demand and price, however, have resulted in overfishing of undersized crabs by an increasing number of new catchers throughout the coastal zone of Bangladesh, which may lead to the collapse of this potential aqua-resource in the near future. In order to overcome this problem and to allow further development of this potential resource, a sustainable management plan has been suggested considering the eco-biological, socio-economic, business, policy and legal aspects.