Raising mudcrab in tidal flats with existing mangroves is a feasible and economically profitable livelihood alternative for fishers. And this is environment-friendly. This was confirmed in a mucrab technology verification project of the Kalibo Save the Mangrove Association (KASAMA), a fishers' organization in barangay Buswang, Kalibo Aklan, in cooperation with the Iloilo-based Southeast Asain Fisheries Development Center's aquaculture department (Seafdec/AQD), the local government of Kalibo, the CENRO of the DENR, and USWAG, a non-government organization. Seafdec/AQD's Avelino Trino, project leaders, and Francisco Sutoniel, KASAMA chair, report that the mudcrab project cultures the giant crab (Scylla serrata) and the native crab (Scylla olivacea) in nylon net-enclosed pens in a 2,400-square meter area within a 50-hectare reforested mangrove in a tidal flat.

Fishers group in Aklan leads way to mangrove-friendly mudcrab culture. (1999, October 30-31). Daily Informer, pp. B1, B4.