The development of management options for the black land crab (Gecarcinus ruricola) catchery in the San Andres Archipelago, Colombia

Black land crab (Gecarcinus ruricola) populations and their dependent catchery in the San Andres Archipelago, Colombia, are under threat from overexploitation, habitat loss and degradation, and road-kill during annual spawning migrations to the sea. This article discusses the participatory approach used to define management of the species and describes the extensive involvement of local communities, particularly catchers and processors, in research and assessment of management options. Many options were considered. General support exists for continued use of closed areas and seasons in species management, in combination with the introduction of a new minimum size limit of 70 mm carapace width. Licensing receives some support, but the use of total allowable catches or quotas is universally rejected. Establishing a legally defined community-driven body, known as the Black Crab Conservation Unit, is seen as a crucial step in the management of the resource and has widespread support.