Top Portunus Swimcrabs Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Portunus swimcrabs, commonly referred to as blue swimming crabs, are a group of commercially valuable crustaceans found in warm coastal waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. These crabs are prized for their sweet, delicate meat and play a significant role in both artisanal and industrial fisheries. The top fishing countries for Portunus swimcrabs not elsewhere included (NEI) are primarily in Asia, with Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and India leading global harvests. These nations rely heavily on the species for export markets, especially to the United States, Japan, and Europe, where demand for crab meat is high. The fishing industry for Portunus swimcrabs is often characterized by small-scale fishers using traps, nets, and sometimes hand collection, though overfishing and habitat degradation have raised sustainability concerns in recent years.

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