Authors

Billie P. Subang, Jr.

Corresponding author

Riza G. San Juan

Co-author

Grecel Fatima C. Ventura

Co-author

Nonillon M. Aspe

Co-author

Provincial Fishery Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
Binduyan Fisheries Research Station, Western Philippines University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
College of Science and Environment, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental 9023 Philippines

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Despite the abundance of commercially important and edible crabs in Palawan, there is no consolidated information on their taxonomy, distribution, and ecology that will serve as baseline data for management and conservation of these decapod species. Thus, this paper provides a consolidated information on the commonly harvested crab species of the marine and brackishwater ecosystems of Palawan. Eighteen species belonging to seven families, namely Coenobitidae, Raninidae, Matutidae, Portunidae, Ocypodidae, Varunidae, and Gecarcinidae were listed. Majority of these crabs are widely distributed in the province. Scylla and Portunus are two of the genera that have high commercial value, marketed both as local and export commodities. Among the species listed, only Birgus latro is considered as threatened species while Scylla spp. have specific size restriction if marketed for export. Other edible crab species are allowed for collection with certain regulatory measures. It is vital to take necessary measures to protect these species including their habitats from overexploitation as these could be source of livelihood commodity and tourist attraction in the future.