KENDRAPARA: The three-month fishing ban in force from April 15 to June 14 to protect fish during the breeding period has given mud crab business a boost and traders are leaving no opportunity to make as much profit as possible.
Fishermen in the district are seen engaging in catching crabs in the nearby rivers and creeks round-the-clock during the ban period. Ranjan Haldar, a trader of Mahakalapada said that during this period, the crab business is brisk.
“During the regular season, the crab trade provides a supplementary income to fishermen but with fishing ban in force, it becomes the main source of income for many fishermen,” said Arjun Mandal, the vice-president of district fishermen’s association.
The traders purchase crabs for around Rs 200 to Rs 300 per kilo from the fishermen during peak time.
Crab harvest is rampant in the seaside villages within Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. “Mud crabbing is a popular fishing activity in the coast. While we want people to enjoy these delicacies, it is important that the rules are followed,” said forest range officer of Bhitarkanika National Park, Manas Das.
Crabs are the food for more than 1700 saltwater crocodiles in Bhitarkanika. It is also illegal on the part of locals to catch crabs in park and sanctuary areas,” added the forest officer. “Any person found violating the law by catching crab illegally and stocking, trading or shipping large volumes will be booked under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 as well as confiscation of the crabs”, added the forest officer.