Top Swimming Crabs, Etc. Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

Top swimming crabs, classified under the family Portunidae, are highly prized crustaceans known for their sweet, tender meat and are commonly harvested in coastal and estuarine waters worldwide. This group includes species like the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) and the gazami crab (Portunus trituberculatus), which are not only important for local consumption but also for export markets. The leading countries in the harvest of top swimming crabs and similar species not elsewhere included are China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand. China is by far the largest producer, accounting for a significant share of the global catch, followed by other Southeast Asian nations where crabbing supports both artisanal and commercial fisheries. These countries utilize a mix of traditional traps, nets, and increasingly, aquaculture practices to meet the high demand for swimming crabs in both domestic and international markets, especially in the United States, Japan, and Europe. The fishing industry for these crabs plays a crucial economic role in coastal communities, although it also faces challenges related to overfishing and habitat degradation.

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