Crab aquaculture in Asia: Current status, challenges, and future prospects

Abstract

Shellfish aquaculture is an important component of global aquaculture, particularly because of the high economic value of many crustacean species. Among these crustaceans, mud crabs (Scylla spp.) are important high-value aquaculture species in tropical and subtropical Asia. Global farmed mud crab production increased from 150,751 tonnes in 2010 to 296,848 tonnes in 2021, with China contributing approximately 51% of global production, followed by Vietnam and the Philippines. Four species, S. serrata, S. paramamosain, S. olivacea and S. tranquebarica, are commercially important, although their distribution and importance in aquaculture vary among Asian countries. Mud crabs are mainly produced through pond, pen and cage grow-out, short-cycle fattening and soft-shell farming, while mangrove-integrated and other integrated farming systems are also practised. Despite the growth of the industry, production in several Asian countries remains dependent on wild-collected juveniles and fresh feeds. Disease occurrence, environmental impacts and market-related constraints further affect production and long-term sustainability. Recent advances in hatchery production, formulated feeds, health management and integrated farming offer opportunities to improve production efficiency and sustainability. Future development should prioritise reliable hatchery seed production, reduced dependence on wild resources, improved feed and farm management, effective biosecurity and protection of mangrove and other coastal habitats. Therefore, this review provides an updated synthesis of the current status and geographical distribution of mud crab farming in Asia, with particular emphasis on cultured species, culture and fattening systems, technological advances, environmental and socio-economic aspects, major production constraints and future priorities for sustainable industry development.