Fisheries

APRI Distributes Crab Traps (Bubu) to Rembang Fishermen as Part of Sustainable Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Transformation

Rembang, October 23, 2025 — The Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (Asosiasi Pengelolaan Rajungan Indonesia / APRI) carried out the official handover of bubu crab traps to blue swimming crab fishermen in Rembang Regency. The event took place at the Hall of the Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Rembang Regency and marked a key step in transitioning from traditional gillnets to more environmentally friendly fishing gear.

This initiative aligns with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) issued by the United States, which recommends the use of selective and sustainable fishing gear such as bubu for blue swimming crab fisheries. The bubu traps are known for their high selectivity, reducing bycatch and minimizing environmental impact on marine ecosystems.

Through this gear transformation, APRI aims to promote sustainable fishing practices while supporting fishermen’s livelihoods and ensuring the long-term continuity of Indonesia’s blue swimming crab industry — one of the country’s key seafood export commodities.

“This is the first step toward transforming crab fishing practices toward sustainability,” an APRI representative stated. “We believe this transition will not only help preserve marine biodiversity but also secure the future of the blue swimming crab fishery and the communities that depend on it.”

The program also reflects APRI’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s sustainable fisheries roadmap and maintaining international market access through compliance with global sustainability standards such as the MMPA.

The handover of bubu traps in Rembang is expected to become a model for other regions, encouraging wider adoption of sustainable fishing practices across Indonesia’s coastal communities. This activity was attended by 50 fishermen, including representatives from Gedongmulyo Village and Sukoharjo Village, who are currently using gillnets for crab fishing. Several business owners from blue swimming crab processing units, who are also members of APRI, were also present to show their support for the transition toward sustainable fishing practices.