70 Crabs Released into Natural Habitat

Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan (Antaranews Kalimantan) - Fish Quarantine and Quality Control (BKIPM) Class II Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, released dozens of crabs into their natural habitat in the mangrove forest of Kaget Island in Banjar District, on Tuesday.

Services Section Head of BKIPM Elvina Kartiani here on Tuesday said the crabs released were of mud crab type, which were confiscated at Syamsuddin Noor Airport Banjarmasin, Monday (30/1).

"Our officers found about 70 heads of the prohibited for import crab. Because of it weight less than 200 grams, (all are) confiscated," she explained.

According to her, the crab was to be smuggled via Jakarta to Batam. Because it violated the Regulation of the Minister of Marine and Fisheries No. 56/2016 on the prohibition of catching spawn crabs and below the 200 gram size, so the crab was confiscated and released back to preservation.

"To those who try to smuggle we already gave them guidance, and we will keep an eye on them," said Elvina.

She stated, this case has been long not happened, but the agency continues to beware by intensively examine cargo of marine products.

According to her, the results of marine crabs are significant in South Kalimantan, and even become a promising export commodities.

"Crabs from South Kalimantan has reached Singapore and Australia," said Elvina.

Because it is so valuable, she said, the government also pays great attention to the type of crab for its breeding continuity , where the aim is for the benefit of the fishermen anyway.