WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 23 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 24) One of the most actionable solutions is the rehabilitation and strict protection of mangrove habitats, especially in areas known to serve as crab and shrimp nurseries. Scientific evidence consistently shows that crustacean larvae and juveniles depend on the complex root systems of mangroves for shelter, foraging, and predator avoidance (Primavera, 2005; Walton et al., 2006). However, destructive practices like the harvesting of Sonneratia branches for bumbun traps and pond expansion into mangrove belts have fragmented these vital zones. The design and enforcement of mangrove-buffered conservation zones are urgently needed. These zones should restrict extractive activities while promoting natural regeneration and could be comanaged by local fisher-folk through community-based stewardship agreements. Simultaneously, crustacean-specific monitoring protocols, including population density tracking, egg-bearing female observations, and seasonal abundance assessments, should be implemented alongside mangrove health surveys to build a cohesive conservation framework. Regulatory measures such as the Municipal Fishery Ordinance (2019) must also be strengthened to prohibit mangrove cutting and restrict fishing methods that disturb benthic and mangrove-root habitats, like sudsud and bumbun. Enforcement support and the integration of mangrove mapping into BFAR’s monitoring systems would enable better ecological surveillance. Climate Change Mitigation for Aquaculture in the SPCW To foster the long-term sustainability and resilience of aquaculture, a strategic shift towards innovative and proactive measures is essential. To begin with, a transition to low-impact, resilient systems should be prioritized. This involves promoting integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), which strategically combines the cultivation of crabs, shrimp, and mantis shrimp to effectively reduce waste outputs and enhance overall system resilience. Furthermore, investing in climate-smart aquaculture infrastructures, such as the construction of raised pond dikes and the implementation of floating pen systems, will be crucial in mitigating the increasing risks associated with climate change. In parallel, leveraging the carbon sequestration potential of mangrove ecosystems presents a significant opportunity. Positioning the SPCW’s mangrove restoration efforts as a key component of a broader blue carbon strategy can enable Local Government Units (LGUs) to access global carbon markets and secure crucial funding for conservation initiatives (Alongi, 2014). To facilitate this, conducting a comprehensive carbon stock assessment of both replanted and natural mangrove zones is necessary, with the resulting data being seamlessly integrated into local climate action plans. Finally, proactively addressing the increasing risks posed by extreme weather events requires the development of risk insurance mechanisms and early warning systems. This includes the creation of aquaculture insurance products specifically indexed to extreme weather events, providing a safety net for aquaculture farmers. Additionally, establishing robust early warning protocols that are directly linked to flood and salinity forecasts will empower communities to take timely preventive actions, thereby minimizing potential losses and enhancing overall resilience. Notwithstanding these potential advancements, several critical research gaps and long-term protection measures must also be addressed to ensure the enduring health of the ecosystem. These include the current limitations in ecological baseline data concerning crustacean population dynamics and catch per unit effort (CPUE) categorized by gear type, the lack of consistent monitoring of pollutant loads within key estuarine zones, the persistent challenge of weak enforcement and fragmented institutional coordination across Local Government Units (LGUs), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the underutilization of valuable indigenous ecological knowledge in informing management decisions. Addressing these gaps through targeted research and fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration, alongside the aforementioned strategies, will be crucial for the long-term protection and sustainable management of Sasmuan’s vital coastal resources. Building a Crustacean-Conscious Conservation Culture Through Mangrove Integration In envisioning a resilient future for the SPCW, the integration of mangrove conservation into crustacean management must move from principle to practice. As rising sea levels, salinity shifts, and warming waters challenge the stability of coastal systems, healthy mangrove ecosystems will be essential buffers, offering both climate protection and ecological productivity. A forward-looking strategy should promote silvo-fisheries and eco-engineered aquaculture systems, where mangrove forests are preserved or planted alongside low-impact crab and shrimp pens. These setups reduce nutrient loading, enhance water quality, and offer habitat complexity that supports natural recruitment. The SPCW, already a Ramsar-recognized wetland, could serve as a pilot site for such climate-smart aquaculture models, generating data and policy frameworks scalable to other parts of the country. The long-term conservation of crustaceans in the SPCW also requires a cultural shift in how local communities perceive mangroves. Beyond their role as wood sources or spatial buffers, mangroves must be understood and protected as living infrastructure for crustacean life. Environmental education campaigns, participatory mangrove planting, and youth-led habitat restoration projects can help rebuild the broken link between people and their wetlands. Finally, a future-focused approach should establish a mangrovecrustacean observatory, a collaborative platform involving BFAR, LGUs, academic researchers, and community scientists to generate open-access data on species abundance, mangrove biomass, and habitat connectivity. By rooting conservation in science and local stewardship, Sasmuan can become a leading voice in the national movement for integrated wetland management. The path to crustacean conservation in SPCW is clear: protect the mangroves, and the crabs and shrimp will thrive. It is not just an ecological imperative, it is an investment in food security, climate resilience, and community survival. Future strategies must harness both innovative practices and sustainable financing. Several national and international funding mechanisms present promising pathways for transformation. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) continues to provide critical support through programs such as the Special Area
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjExNDY=