Proposal
The Philippines, with its vast coastal areas and abundant marine resources, has long been reliant on traditional fishing practices for livelihoods and food supply. However, the overfishing and environmental degradation have threatened the sustainability of these practices especially in the mud crabs production, jeopardizing the income and food security not just of the people, not just in the coastal communities but rather the whole Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there has been a decline of average of 29.06% every year from 2018-2022 in the mud crab production and this is because of the combination of overfishing due to high demand for crabs as a popular delicacy all over the world, impacting both suppliers and consumers. Based on the study of Food and Agriculture Organizations of United Nations, the demand for mud crabs often outstrips supply capabilities, especially during peak demand periods like holidays and weekends especially in places like Singapore, China and Japan while the CPUE (catch per unit effort) value for mud crabs decreased from 2010 to 2015 by 30%, indicating declining wild stocks. The mud crab farming industry is one of the significant sources of income for many coastal households, facing challenges related to unsustainable farming practices, limited access to class A mud crabs due to export priorities, and fluctuating crab supply.
The decline in crab populations and the lack of sustainable farming methods exacerbate poverty. Fishermen are forced to spend more hours to find a catch making it harder for them to spend time with their families. With the long hours these fishermen spend in the ocean to catch mud crabs, their children are also compelled to accompany their parents to help them catch the mud crabs while they stop attending school. Other families seek alternative sources of income, often resorting to unskilled labor to make ends meet.
In addition, this problem also contributes to food insecurity on a broader scale, extending to urban centers like Metro Manila. As one of the largest suppliers of mud crabs globally, the Philippines plays a significant role in meeting both domestic and international demand for this prized seafood delicacy. According to the Philippines Statistics Authority, approximately 84% of our mud crab harvest goes directly to exportation leaving the Philippine consumer with poor-quality mud crabs that fail to meet expectations for freshness, quality and taste.
According to the predictions highlighted by Dr. Cary Fowler, renowned for his work on the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, said there will be a global food shortage by 2050. If this issue is left unaddressed, this looming food crisis could have devastating consequences for food security and nutrition worldwide. As mud crabs are a significant source of protein and livelihood for coastal communities in the Philippines and beyond, the depletion of crab populations not only threatens local economies but also contributes to broader issues of food insecurity and poverty.
Our proposed solution aims to revolutionize mud crab farming through the introduction of innovative aquaculture practices, specifically the implementation of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). By integrating RAS technology with our mud crab condominiums, we can create a closed-loop system where we transform Class C mud crabs to Class A mud crabs 77% faster than traditional farming. We fatten our mud crabs using this system and enable us to harvest in 15-20 days significantly faster than the usual 1-2 months in traditional farming. RAS also minimizes the risk against pollutants, parasites, or diseases commonly found in open water systems. We also reuse 85% of our water creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming method.
This solution contributes directly to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 1: No Poverty: By providing coastal communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities, we aim to alleviate poverty and improve economic well-being.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger: By promoting sustainable aquaculture practices through our mud crab condominiums, we contribute to food security and access to nutritious food for vulnerable communities.
SDG 14: Life Below Water: By reducing pressure on wild crab populations through sustainable farming practices, we support the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
We plan to implement and test our social business model in the coastal communities of Bolinao, Pangasinan, known for their rich biodiversity and vibrant fishing industry. These communities face significant challenges, including poverty and food insecurity, making them ideal test sites for our innovative approach to crab farming. By partnering with local stakeholders and leveraging existing infrastructure, we aim to demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of our solution in a real-world setting, paving the way for broader adoption and impact across the Philippines and beyond.
Our proposal addresses the urgent need to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities in the Philippines through innovative aquaculture solutions. By leveraging RAS technology through our mud crab condominiums, we aim to empower communities to improve their economic well-being while promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to the achievement of the UN SDGs. With the support of stakeholders and partners, we believe our initiative can make a meaningful impact on the lives of coastal residents and the health of marine ecosystems. Additionally, we aim to incorporate indigenous technology into our operations, collaborating with Sultan Kudarat State University to leverage their expertise in sustainable aquaculture practices. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques, we not only honor indigenous wisdom but also enhance the sustainability and resilience of our crab farming endeavors.