Catching mangrove crabs banned in Mozambique

By Jose Tembe

A five-month ban on catching mangrove crabs along Mozambique's entire coastline has come into force on the orders of ministry of fisheries.

The decision was taken to ensure their sustainability, as people were using "harmful gear" - including mosquito nets and plastic bags - to catch them, the ministry said.

There was also a five-month ban on catching surface shrimps, but only in Maputo Bay, Sofala Bank and the mouth of the Limpopo River.

Crab and shrimp sellers complained that the ban was for too long, and it would affect their businesses during the festive season.

This article originally appeared in BBC News.

Photo: Getty Images.

Blessing Mwangi