Tucked away in the rich vibrant ecosystems of the country’s mangroveforests, its claws carving through the mud and sifting through the debris, mangrove crabs are quietly transforming the country’s aquaculture landscape.

Locally known as alimango and once commonly referred to as “mud crab,” mangrove crabs have become an aquaculture staple in the Philippines. Belonging to the genus Scylla, the species include the king crab, orange mud crab, green mud crab, and purple mud crab. However, only the first three species have been recorded in Philippine waters.

In 2016, a pivotal shift occurred during the first National Mud Crab Congress, organized by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) in Tigbauan, Iloilo. The congress formally adopted the name “mangrove crab” to emphasize the species’ deep connection to its natural habitat.

The resolution to standardize the name aimed to highlight the ecological importance of mangrove forests—the crabs’ natural environment—which are vital ecosystems supporting marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.

BFRDC’s R&D initiatives on mangrove crab

In 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a total production of 20,766.25 metric tons (MT) of mangrove crabs in the Philippines. Northern Mindanao emerged as the leading region, contributing 7,759.36 MT, with 6,812.38 MT coming from the province of Lanao del Norte.

At the forefront of this transformation is the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute-Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (NFRDI-BFRDC) in Lala, Lanao del Norte, a town now recognized as the “Crab Capital of Mindanao.”

Led by Dr. Casiano Choresca Jr., BFRDC chief, the center is implementing research and development (R&D) initiatives in mangrove crab farming with the aim of reshaping livelihood opportunities in coastal communities.

One of the most promising advancements is the development of techniques for producing soft-shelled mangrove crabs. Highly sought after in both local and international markets, soft-shelled crabs can command prices two to three times higher than hard-shelled ones.

Dr. Choresca explained that the center is exploring methods to induce molting—the process by which crabs shed their exoskeletons and grow new ones—under controlled conditions. These efforts not only enhance profitability but also add significant value to the Philippines’ aquaculture exports.

Apart from soft-shelled crab production, BFRDC also conducts research on monoculture and polyculture systems in brackishwater ponds. Polyculture, which integrates mangrove crabs with other species, maximizes pond utilization and promotes environmental balance. This sustainable approach not only enhances the economic resilience of fish farmers but also helps conserve natural ecosystems.

Bridging research and coastal communities

NFRDI’s efforts extend beyond research, actively involving local communities in adopting sustainable practices and collaborating with other organizations to make these technologies accessible to stakeholders. Through programs like the Aqua Business School–Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI), fish farmers and other stakeholders receive training in various aquaculture techniques and are provided with tools and resources to access verified technologies.

Dr. Choresca highlighted NFRDI’s collaboration with SEAFDEC/AQD as an example specifically in developing specialized feeds for mangrove crabs, while NFRDI rigorously verifies their effectiveness through comprehensive studies.

Additionally, the ABS-TBI program equips incubatees or beneficiaries with essential business skills, enabling them to market their products to both local and premium markets, ensuring the sustainability of their livelihoods.

Future directions

Beyond the economic value of mangrove crabs, they contribute significantly to the health of mangrove ecosystems. Their burrowing activities aerate the soil, enhance nutrient cycling, and support the growth of mangrove trees. These trees, in turn, provide habitats for diverse marine species and protect coastal areas from erosion and storm surges during extreme weather events.

The interdependence between mangrove crabs and their environment highlights the importance of balancing modern aquaculture techniques with conservation efforts. Moving forward, the DA-NFRDI is focusing on further advancing the industry through its programs and expanding research initiatives to integrate modern technologies that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mangrove crab farming. A primary goal is to address overfishing by promoting aquaculture as a sustainable alternative to wild-catch practices. By prioritizing these sustainable methods, NFRDI aims to safeguard natural resources while providing stable livelihoods for fish farmers.

Renaming “mud crab” to “mangrove crab” is more than a simple change in nomenclature—it is an acknowledgment of the species’ ecological importance. By linking the crab to the bakawan forests it inhabits, the new name underscores the necessity of conserving mangroves as vital ecosystems that sustain marine biodiversity, protect coastlines, and support coastal communities’ livelihoods. This shift in terminology aligns with ongoing efforts, led by NFRDI and its partners, to ensure that mangrove crab farming is not only profitable but also sustainable.

Through research-driven solutions such as soft-shelled crab farming, polyculture systems, and community training programs, a future where aquaculture benefits both people and the environment can be realized. ### (Ann Dominique del Valle)