BACOLOD City — Negros Occidental is intensifying efforts to safeguard its blue swimming crab industry by exploring alternative export markets and strengthening compliance with international standards following new United States import restrictions.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Friday, July 10, convened a consultative meeting with representatives from the provincial government, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), exporters, processors, fisherfolk organizations, and industry partners to formulate an action plan addressing the new import requirements imposed by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration–National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-NMFS).
The meeting focused on maintaining market access for the province’s blue swimming crab products while minimizing the impact on thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on the industry.
Based on BFAR-Negros Island Region transport permit data, Negros Occidental produced more than 1,151 metric tons of blue swimming crab in 2025, with an estimated value of P936.35 million.
Lacson said the industry directly supports 1,810 registered crab fishers, as well as hundreds of gill net operators, crab pot and trap owners, and thousands of crab pickers, processors, transport workers, and their families across the province’s coastal communities.
He warned that a prolonged disruption in exports to the United States could have far-reaching consequences for the local seafood industry, particularly the province’s 15 crab picking stations, where workers could face significant income losses if access to the U.S. market is not restored.
During the consultation, stakeholders discussed strategies to comply with international export standards, diversify export destinations, and promote sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term competitiveness of Negros Occidental’s blue swimming crab industry.
Lacson assured fisherfolk, processors, exporters, and other stakeholders that the provincial government would continue supporting the sector through livelihood assistance, skills training, and fisheries development programs while working closely with national government agencies to address the export challenges.
As part of its continuing fisheries support initiatives, the provincial government earlier released nearly P950,000 in financial assistance to 10 fisherfolk associations in Victorias City, Manapla, E.B. Magalona, Silay City, Bago City, Valladolid, and Himamaylan City.
The provincial government said the assistance forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector and help coastal communities remain resilient amid evolving global trade requirements./PN
