A Party-list lawmaker is calling for an inquiry on the reported rampant harvesting and sale of crablets as exotic food delicacy, that has resulted in the alarming decline in the harvest of mature mud crabs, a press release from Congress said.

House Resolution 2587, filed by Rep. Angelo Palmones, (Party-list, AGHAM) who said rampant harvesting and sale of crablets hinder the sustainability of mature crabs for food and livelihood.

He cited a 2009 report from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that says exports of crabs, in its live or processed form, accounts for 5.8 percent of the year's total export value in fisheries produce.

The study, he said, shows that crab production is a viable means of livelihood for some of the coastal areas in the country thus; this reported rampant activity of early harvesting for minimal amount will disrupt the flow of income in an area where crab produce is one of its main sources of income.

Palmones said several local government units have issued ordinances banning the harvest of juvenile mud crabs or crablets because these LGUs have noticed the alarming decline of mud crab harvest.

Among the LGUs that issued the ban were the provinces of Catanduanes and Northern Samar, the press release said.

Palmones said given the concern of the local government units and concerned stakeholders, the national government should ban early harvesting of crablets for food or any other means.*

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