Pontianak, W Kalimantan, April 28 (Antaranews Kalbar) - Based on data analysis by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) of Indonesia, crabs caught in the river in Nibung Village, Kubu Raya District, West Kalimantan Province, were valued at Rp5.43 billion annually.
"The figure is derived from the crabs caught by the local people, reaching some 54.3 tons per year, while the local selling price is Rp100 thousand per kilogram," WWF of Indonesia Program Manager Albertus Tjiu stated here on Saturday.
The community should maintain and preserve the environment, so that the breeding ground of mangrove crabs can be utilized for longer.
"As a control mechanism, the WWF of Indonesia is currently preparing the MSC (Marine Steward Council) documents to ensure the stages are met and the management of crabs is conducted sustainably," he stated.
He urged the local community to continue to preserve mangrove plantations in the region.
"In the context of conservation, the planting effort must be continuously undertaken. The deforested area needs to be restored to its ecological function, which will offer us economic value if we could maintain it well. There are several types of aquatic creatures that have economic value, such as the Mangrove Crab," he explained.
Tjiu continues to encourage the Nibung people, who are generally fishermen, to be heedful of the challenges related to the waters and mangrove forests. Pollutants and marine plastic waste have become a cause of serious concern that must be tackled.
"The ideal conditions can be achieved through cooperation among all parties comprising the government, as the policy maker; entrepreneurs, who support this effort; good assistance; and strong willingness of the community itself," he remarked.
Currently, the people are developing mangrove ecotourism due to awareness of economic benefits derived by preserving the environment. Moreover, regulations on crab fishing, including in the open-cap areas of mangrove crabs to catch the species, are in place.
Furthermore, people have currently begun cultivating crabs. In the initial stage, fishermen breed crabs in cages.
Nibung Crabs valued at Rp5.43 billion per year
Sabtu, 28 April 2018 17:15 WIB