The present work consists of the first scientific and integrated characterization of fishing and crab harvesting in Portugal. Thus, the scientific results of this initiative are expected to contribute to the sustainable management of small mud estuarine crabs fishing in Portugal.

In a national context, the catch of small crabs seems to have assumed increasing importance for a long time. This is due to its strong implantation along the entire Portuguese coast, namely, in estuarine and lagoon areas, the great diversity of species caught, and the high commercial value of the products of this activity, the potential number of fishermen thus seeming to constitute an important socio-economic activity. This project has the following objectives:

1) Characterize harvesting and fishing and Identify crabs’ populations traditionally exploited;
2) Assess the conservation status of the crab of commercial interest;
3) Study the biology of species of commercial interest;
4) Socio-economically assessment of communities who practice harvesting and/or fishing;
6) Propose regulation measures with a view to the sustainable exploitation of crabs fishing resources.