The coconut crab (Birgus latro) is the world’s largest terrestrial arthropod, known for its impressive size and strength, and is technically a land-dwelling crustacean rather than a fish. Native to islands across the Indian and central Pacific Oceans, including parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, coconut crabs are highly prized for their meat, making them a valuable but vulnerable resource. The top coconut crab fishing countries include Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and some Pacific territories such as the Cook Islands and Kiribati. In these regions, coconut crabs are harvested both for local consumption and, to a lesser extent, for export. However, overharvesting and habitat loss have led to population declines, prompting many countries to implement strict regulations or seasonal bans to protect this unique species and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.