Recently, Portunus pelagicus (commonly known as the blue swimming crab or blue manna crab) has rapidly adapted to Jeju’s warming waters in quantities. Under circumstances like this, NIFS is going to monitor the species to determine how to utilize them as new lucrative resources. 

Primarily native to subtropical Indo-Pacific Waters including the Indian Ocean, Portunus pelagicus used to be found in Jeju Island as a intermittent visitor, but the local sigthings have skyrocketed particularly along the eastern coastlines of the Island. 

The Jeju’s recent five-year catch of other crabs including Portunus trituberculatus (from 2021 to 2025) remained at the level of 26 tons on average, but fluctuating significantly on a yearly basis. 

NIFS pays attention to the chance for Portunus pelagicus to expand its distribution range. In the long term, additionally, NIFS will conduct a comprehensive research on the harvest trends, population dynamics, and marketability along with economic value of the species. 

NIFS president said, “By consistently monitoring the influx, commercial value, and harvest trends of Portunus pelagicus, NIFS will provide scientific ground for future integrating this subtropical immigrant into local commercial fishing.”