Kiwanis clubs embark on mud crab dispersal, mangrove propagules planting

To help restore mangrove ecosystem and fishing grounds in barangays, Kiwanis clubs in Aklan led efforts in livelihood provisions and mangrove rehabilitation in the town of Batan, Aklan on April 10, 2021.

Batan Estuary, a shallow water system protected from the open sea, is blessed with one of the largest stretches of mangrove species in Aklan. Mangroves are nurseries for different species of fish, home to birds and other wildlife, and protect the coastal communities from storm surges.

More than 30 volunteers from Kiwanis Club of Kalibo and Kiwanis Club of Golden Salakot Aklan expressed their support to sustain the mangrove rehabilitation program and mud crabs dispersal. Village officials, tanods, Ipil Fisherfolks Association and Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Magpag-ong also joined the activities.

Some 300 ‘bakawan’ propagules were planted in Sitio Baybay, Ipil and Sitio Punta, Magpag-ong mangrove areas to revive the Batan Estuary. The mangrove areas are about 35 kilometers from the capital town of Kalibo, Aklan via Aklan East Road.

A total of 500 mud crabs were also dispersed to enhance food production and livelihoods of the residents in Barangay Ipil and Magpag-ong.

The mud crab Scylla serrata is one of the most valuable crab species in the world, with the bulk of their commercial production sent live to market. Mud crab diets in the wild consists of mainly of marine detritus, mollusks, crustaceans and fish. Mud crabs can be found in a variety of microhabitats around mangrove forests or swamps.

Kiwanis Club of Golden Salakot Aklan president Doneza Cezar said a mud crab dispersal was launched last January 30, 2021, particularly its pilot site in Barangay Bay-ang, also in Batan, Aklan.

The stock enhancement program aims to increase population of wild stock along river estuary and inlets for sustainable aquaculture as a source of livelihood by the local communities in Batan, Aklan.

Kiwanis Club of Kalibo president Jerome Padios also underscored the strengthening of community networking and advocacies to help the vulnerable groups in this time of pandemic.

“We are one with the communities in Batan, Aklan for its continuous efforts to save and protect the mangrove forests for future generations,” he added.