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Tavua Mud Crab Workshop June 2017 _Group photo

By: Loata Leweniqila

With prices almost doubling since 2014, the Mud Crab has become one of the fastest growing fishery commodities in Fiji.  Mud crabs are primarily gleaned  fisherwomen, who skillfully scoop out the crabs from the silt and mud between the mangroves.

Tavua Mud Crab Workshop June 2017 _Vatutavui Village reps Source; Loata Leweniqila

However, over harvesting though has led to declining stocks and an increase in sale of undersized mud crabs. As a result this fishery appears to be at a tipping point, and without intervention we anticipate this species may become locally extinct in many parts of the country. This presents management challenges and its proper management is essential for the sustainability of this fishery.

Tavua Mud Crab Workshop June 2017 _Vanuakula reps Source; Loata Leweniqila

Tavua Mud Crab Workshop June 2017 _Tavua reps Source; Loata Leweniqila

It is in this regard that the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area and Women in Fisheries Network-Fiji coordinated a workshop in the Tavua district on the 1st and 2nd of June 2017.

The main objectives of the workshop were:

  1. Connecting ‘Women’ to potential stakeholders that can assist them to venture into other Alternative Economic Livelihood.
  2. Facilitate Options for Management of Mud Crab
  • Provide Awareness on existing legislation pertaining to the management of Mud Crab

It was through the History profile exercise that participants were able to see the changes that have affected their fishing grounds therefore very effective in putting together a Management Plan for their respective villages.

In connecting women to potential stakeholders that can assist them to venture into other economic livelihood, we invited the Department of Cooperatives Business, Bank of South Pacific and Vodafone ATH to make the participants aware of services and facilities that they can tap into. It is therefore important for participants to know what is practical and real for them before venturing into other sources of livelihood.

A total number of 48 females and 14 males attended the workshop.

Tavua Mud Crab Workshop June 2017 _Korovou Village reps Source; Loata Leweniqila