Introduction

Blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) is an important crustacean commodity contributing significantly to the socio-economic aspect in the Philippines. In Bohol various coastal communities have been practicing blue swimming crab capture fisheries for many years. However, there is a limited study on the blue swimming crab fishing practices and operations in this area. Thus, this study aimed to determine the status of the blue swimming crab capture fisheries in the four crabbing municipalities in Bohol, Philippines; namely Tubigon, Inabanga, Getafe, and Talibon. Personal interviews were conducted in the identified areas aided using a semi-structured survey questionnaire. Results showed that most of the crab fishers (79.33%) whose income were derived from the blue swimming crab capture fisheries were insufficient to meet and sustain the fundamental needs of their family. There are three different fishing gears used by the local crab fishers where majority are using crab gillnet (70%), followed by crab pot (23.33%), and crab liftnet (6.67%). The fishing operations and practices for these fishing gears vary depending on its type. The daily fishing operation, as well as, the significant number of crab fishers and fishing gears operated in the fishing grounds in Bohol may contribute to the decline of blue swimming crab catch. Even though there are already initiatives from the government and private sectors to support and help sustain the crabbing activities in Bohol, these efforts are inadequate without the proper management and participation of the crab fishers. Thus, comprehensive educational campaigns and information dissemination on the current status, existing laws, and national management plans are necessary to promote awareness among crab fishers and other industry players.