BANGKOK / Thailand, 24 June 2025: In a bold and sustainable shift in Thailand's aquaculture sector, the Department of Fisheries (DOF) is spearheading an initiative to convert abandoned shrimp ponds into productive sea crab farms. The move is aimed at reviving idle coastal lands, supporting struggling farmers, and strengthening the country’s seafood economy.
According to Bancha Sukkaew, Director-General of the DOF, the country's shrimp industry has faced years of hardship due to disease outbreaks, plummeting prices, and rising input costs. These challenges have led many farmers to abandon shrimp farming altogether, leaving behind large tracts of disused ponds.
Now, these ponds are seeing new life. Backed by Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Akara Prompao, the DOF is actively promoting sea crab cultivation—a more resilient and profitable aquaculture alternative that requires minimal infrastructure upgrades.
“Sea crabs are hardy, grow quickly, and are in high demand both locally and internationally,” Bancha explained. “Their ability to thrive in existing shrimp ponds without extensive changes makes them ideal for rapid, sustainable conversion.”
Samut Songkhram: A Model for Change
The coastal province of Samut Songkhram, once home to a vibrant shrimp farming community, is now a flagship site for sea crab revitalization. Over 1,000 rai (160 hectares) of abandoned ponds are being repurposed.
Wirat Sanitmajjaro, Fisheries Officer for the province, said the region's natural water availability and ideal environmental conditions support three farming models: natural, semi-natural, and commercial systems.
Already, more than 234 farmers have registered for sea crab farming, covering 9,780 rai (1,565 hectares) of pond area. Most farmers are opting for semi-natural systems due to their lower costs and ease of management.
The Samut Songkhram Provincial Fisheries Office provides vital support—offering training on land conversion, crab selection, juvenile sourcing, and marketing techniques. The DOF also encourages the use of technologies and innovations tailored to local ecosystems.
From Shrimp Ruin to Crab Boom
One success story is that of Thanathorn Limsakul, a former shrimp farmer who now operates a thriving sea crab farm. After struggling with high initial costs, Thanathorn consulted government experts and adopted natural feeding methods, using locally available surf clams and blackchin tilapia.
This not only cut costs and chemical usage but also boosted his crab survival rates and profits. After six months, male crabs fetch 350 baht/kg, while egg-bearing females can sell for up to 500 baht/kg in both domestic and export markets.
“I’m now able to support my family with a stable income,” said Thanathorn. “The switch to sea crabs has changed my life.”
Building a Sustainable Aquaculture Model
To enhance sustainability and reduce disease risk, the DOF also supports pond rehabilitation technologies. These include the introduction of PM.1 and PM.2 microorganisms and photosynthetic bacteria that improve soil and water quality.
Additionally, the department promotes co-cultivation with milkfish, which helps manage organic waste and strengthens the pond ecosystem.
For crab seed, farmers can forage or purchase green mud crab juveniles from DOF breeding centers. These juveniles are known for their rapid growth and high adaptability, making them ideal candidates for reuse projects.
“The goal is not just profitability, but long-term resilience,” said Chaiwud Sudthongkong, a coastal aquaculture expert at the DOF. “With sea crabs, we can rebuild farmer confidence and promote eco-friendly aquaculture.”
National Vision: Farmers Living Well
This initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader agricultural vision: ‘Farmers must live well, with high-value products and sustainable resources.’
By converting abandoned lands into income-generating zones, the DOF is tackling land underuse, rural unemployment, and aquaculture decline in one stroke.
As coastal communities adapt to changing market realities, sea crab farming may very well become a cornerstone of Thailand’s next aquaculture boom—one that is sustainable, profitable, and farmer-first.
