Top Blue Swimming Crab Fishing Countries

The Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) is a highly valued crustacean known for its sweet, delicate meat and distinctive blue-tinged claws. This species inhabits shallow coastal waters and estuaries throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The global blue swimming crab fishing industry is dominated by countries in Southeast and South Asia, with Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Thailand ranking as the top producers. These nations harvest the crab primarily through small-scale artisanal fisheries, providing significant income and employment for coastal communities. The crabs are mostly exported to major markets such as the United States, where they are prized for lump and claw meat. Sustainable management has become a growing concern due to overfishing and habitat degradation, prompting several countries to implement size limits, seasonal closures, and community-based management practices.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.