WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 19 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 20) transformation. The hope? That its model can ripple across Pampanga and the broader Philippine archipelago. Key Challenges and Current State of Crustacean Farming in SPCW The SPCW are home to a number of ecologically and economically important crustacean species. However, unsustainable anthropogenic activities have accelerated the degradation of these habitats, placing significant pressure on crustacean populations and the fisheries-dependent communities that rely on them (Table 1.) According to the Sasmuan CRM Plan (2023–2028), 38 cases of illegal fishing (Figure 2) were recorded from 2020 to 2022, involving destructive gears like improvised fish shelters built from mangrove branches, hand-operated or small-scale drag nets, and tide-driven fish corrals. DENR (2015) likewise identifies these gears as primary threats to SPCW. These traditional gears, while culturally significant, contribute to habitat destruction, particularly in benthic zones critical for the reproduction and early development of crustaceans. Furthermore, illegal aquaculture expansion, through unauthorized construction of fishponds in ecologically sensitive areas, has intensified environmental stress. These operations discharge nutrient-rich wastewater containing high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), leading to eutrophication and reduced dissolved oxygen, conditions harmful to crustaceans’ survival and molting cycles (Tendencia and Bosma, 2011). The uncontrolled conversion of mangroves into pond systems has also eliminated natural nursery grounds for juvenile crabs and shrimp, disrupting population recruitment and trophic linkages. In response, the LGU declared the SPCW part of the Ramsarrecognized Sasmuan Bangkung Malapad Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (Figure 3), established a 6.8-hectare fish sanctuary, strengthened Bantay Dagat enforcement, and aligned local ordinances with RA 10654 and EO 533. However, gaps remain, including the absence of crustacean population monitoring, weak enforcement capacity, and unverified encroachment issues, all of which threaten the long-term ecological resilience of the SPCW. Methodology This study utilized a descriptive approach supported by institutional consultation and field validation. Key data were obtained TABLE 1. Indicators of coastal ecosystem degradation and crustacean stock decline in Sasmuan, Pampanga and related wetlands (DENR-LGU 2015 and Sasmuan CRM 2023–2028). Category Data / Figures Details Habitat Degradation 1.2 cm/year silt deposition Sediment buildup from Mt. Pinatubo eruption and upland run-off causes river shallowing 84.4 ha of healthy mangrove stands Remaining area from earlier larger mangrove zones, mainly in Bangkung Malapad Up to 76% of land used for aquaculture Reflects heavy reliance on fishponds, possibly reducing natural wetland area Reduced Biodiversity Fish species dropped from 43 to 29 Diversity loss in nearshore and estuarine habitats Crustacean species reduced from 12 to 7 Decline in species such as Scylla serrata and Callinectes sapidus Biodiversity index dropped from Shannon Index decline suggests increasing ecosystem stress H’ = 2.5 to H’ = 1.3 Declining Crustacean Stocks Shrimp CPUE fell from 8 kg/day to Reflects decrease in shrimp abundance due to overfishing 3 kg/day and habitat stress Mud crab CPUE dropped from Indicates stress on high-value species like Scylla serrata 5 kg/day to 1.5 kg/day Blue swimming crab stocks declined Based on fisherfolk knowledge and catch trends by 60% in 5 years Fishing Practices Impact 65% of fishers rely on traditional methods Includes gill nets and fish corrals that may disrupt habitat 40% of fishers still use destructive gear Leads to overharvesting of juveniles and benthic disturbance (e.g., fine mesh nets) FIGURE 3. Sasmuan Bangkung Malapad Critical Habitat and Eco-Tourism Area (SBMCHEA). The mangrove forests here act as nurseries for many commercially important crustaceans, including mud crabs and penaeid shrimps. Photo credit: K.P. Taguberi.
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