Top Giant Swimcrab Fishing Countries

The Giant Swimcrab (Portunus pelagicus), also known as the blue swimming crab, is a commercially valuable crustacean species found in the Indo-Pacific region, prized for its sweet, delicate meat. This species inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, and mangroves, making it accessible to both artisanal and industrial fisheries. The leading countries in Giant Swimcrab fishing are Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and India, where the species supports significant export industries, particularly to markets in the United States, Japan, and Europe. These nations have developed robust supply chains involving wild capture and, increasingly, aquaculture to meet global demand. However, overfishing and habitat degradation pose challenges, prompting some countries to implement management measures such as size limits, closed seasons, and community-based conservation to sustain their valuable swimcrab fisheries.

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