From August 15 to September 15 The ban on molting comes into force in Ecuador red crab (Ucides occidentalis) and blue crab (Cardisoma crassum), with application throughout the national territory.
This measure, issued by the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries, search protect mangrove ecosystems and strengthen the sustainability of these species during their most delicate biological period.
Dates and official scope
The Ministerial Agreement MPCEIP-SRP-2025-0054-A (published on August 13, 2025) sets the second annual closed season from the 15 from August to the 15 from September of 2025, and explicitly includes both species: red crab and in situ blue crab.
The fishing authority emphasizes that the measure is of national character and reaches the entire production chain: collectors, transporters, processors, marketers and points of sale.
Activities prohibited during the closed season
During the month of restriction it remains strictly prohibited any activity linked to these species, without exceptions of a commercial or gastronomic nature.
- Collection and capture in mangroves or any habitat.
- Transportation and possession of live or processed specimens.
- Processing and storage for sale purposes.
- Internal marketing and exporting in any modality.
The authorities will carry out control operations to verify compliance on roads, collection centers, markets, restaurants, and international departure points.
Inventories and business obligations
Processing or marketing companies duly authorized that have product prior to the start of the ban must declare your inventory before the Fisheries Control Directorate (DCP) until August 15th, 2025.
This requirement does not enable new captures or sales during the restricted period: the main purpose is conserve species and ensure uniform control throughout the country.
Sanctions and how to report
Failure to comply with the ban will be sanctioned in accordance with the Organic Law for the Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries: fines of between 2 and 10 Unified Basic Salaries (approx. $940 to $4.700), confiscation of the product and suspension of permits.
In the most serious cases, a crime against wild flora and fauna is established in the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code, with prison sentences of 1 to 3 years. Citizens can report to the fisheries inspectorate nearest or by mail: despachosrp@produccion.gob.ec.
Biological reasons for the molting ban
The main reason for this ban is that during this period it is expected that shell molt, a phase in which crabs are especially vulnerable and can release substances unfit for human consumptionIn addition to preserving the ecosystem, the measure also protects public health.
Recommendations for consumers and businesses
Recommended not to acquire or offer red or blue crab during the closed season; if suspected, report to the relevant authorities. Companies must plan ahead, declare inventories on time, train your staff and adapt your gastronomic offering temporarily.
With the period clearly established, it is essential respect the dates, prevent any capture or sale, comply with inventory declarations, and use reporting channels in case of irregularities, to protect crabs and maintain a healthy mangrove ecosystem in Ecuador.