Ecuador Implements Second Red Crab Fishing Ban for Sustainability

Ecuador is instituting a second fishing ban for the red crab (cangrejo rojo), a measure designed to safeguard the species during its critical molting phase, known as ecdysis. The prohibition will be in effect from August 15 to September 15, 2026, covering all activities related to the red crab fishery across the country. This initiative aims to ensure the sustainability of crab populations by protecting them during this vulnerable stage of their life cycle.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Productive Productivity, through its Viceministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries and the Undersecretariat of Fisheries Resources, established the ban. It strictly prohibits the collection, capture, transport, possession, processing, and commercialization of red crabs, both domestically and internationally. The decision is grounded in sustainability and precautionary principles for managing hydrobiological resources, supported by technical and scientific data from the Public Institute for Aquaculture and Fisheries Research (IPIAP).

This measure specifically targets the red crab and does not apply to the blue crab (cangrejo azul). The ministry stated that further information is needed regarding the blue crab's molting cycle before any similar restrictions are imposed on it. The current ban is intended to promote rational and responsible exploitation of the red crab resource, ensuring its long-term viability.

For businesses involved in processing and trading red crabs, specific regulations apply to existing inventories. Authorized companies must declare their processed stock by August 15, 2026. These pre-ban products can be sold for a limited period of five days following the ban's commencement. Authorities will conduct inspections to verify declared inventories against actual stock. After this grace period, any remaining products will be held until the ban is lifted. Enforcement will include targeted operations in fishing areas and a community surveillance program in mangrove conservation zones.