To ensure
sustainable utilization of crab resources, on 27 January 2014, the Council of
Agriculture proclaimed the Measure on Controlling Crab Catches in the Coastal
and Offshore Fisheries, for implementation as from 1 April 2014. Key points of
the measure are as follows:
1. Fishing vessels
are prohibited from catching the following crabs:
1) Charybdis feriatus: shell span (the
distance between the broadest points of the two sides of the top shell of crab)
under 8 cm.
2) Portunus sanguinolentus: shell span
under 8 cm.
3) Portunus pelagicus: shell span under 8
cm.
4) Charybdis natator: shell span under 6
cm.
5) Ranina ranina: shell length (the
distance between the center points of the two sides of the top shell of crab)
under 6 cm.
2. Every year
between 16 August and 15 November, fishing vessels are prohibited from catching
spawning crabs carrying fertilized eggs on the sides of their abdomens.
3. Such crabs
listed in paragraph 1 above, incidentally caught, whether live or dead, should
be released immediately into the sea, and they are not allowed to be brought
into port or carried on board. Incidental catch of such crabs by gillnets
should be removed from the nets at sorting areas in fishing port where landing
is carried out, have them placed in surviving tanks, and be released into the
sea within 12 hours after the arrival of the vessel in port.
4. For the purpose
of scientific research of such crabs, with the approval of the central
competent authority, the prohibitions set forth in the preceding 3 paragraphs may
be waived.
5. Anyone who
violates the above measure, is liable to a fine of not less than NT$30,000 but
not more than NT$150,000, in accordance with Article 65, paragraph 6 of the
Fisheries Act.