Certifier : 
MRAG Americas, Inc.
Certified status : 
Certified
Certified since : 
14 Jul 2016
Certificate expires : 
22 Dec 2026

Overview

Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.

When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries

Units of Certification & Certificate Information

  • Certified
    MSC UoC Number Species Gear Type Ocean Area Certificate Code
    UoC-1200 Crystal crab (Chaceon albus) Traps - Pots 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern) MSC-F-31419

View glossary of terms

Catch by Species

Species Reported Catch Year Metric Tonnes
Crystal crab (Chaceon albus) 2023 123.2

Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.

About this Fishery

This baited trap fishery targets the crystal crab (Chaceon albus), and its MSC assessment is scheduled to be complete in February 2016. 

The fishery is closely managed and here is a cap on the number of licenses and vessels allowed, and licenses are subject to quota limits. The fishing gear used is also regulated, and spatial closures at inshore depths of less than 150 metres are in force.

Berried female crabs are protected; as are all crabs below legal size limits. Restrictions are in place to protect bycatch, prohibiting or limiting the retention of rock lobster, finfish, scampi and white-tailed bug.

Market Information

Most of the catch is sold live to Asian markets, both domestically and internationally.