Seberang jaya: Malaysia recorded a 14.44 per cent increase in horseshoe crab landings over a three-year period, reflecting the continued resilience of its coastal ecosystems in supporting the survival of this ancient and high-value marine species.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) reported that the total landings of horseshoe crabs increased from 232.80 tonnes in 2023 to 266.42 tonnes in 2025. During this period, their wholesale market value rose by 9.32 per cent to RM2.68 million, compared to RM2.45 million.
Director-General of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain emphasized that horseshoe crabs are a crucial part of Malaysia's marine biodiversity, possessing high strategic value not only for coastal ecosystems but also for bioscience and biomedicine. He noted, "The increase in horseshoe crab landings shows that the country's coastal ecosystems are still capable of supporting the survival of the species." However, he warned that pressures from development, pollution, and overexploitation necessitate more integrated and continuous conservation efforts.
The DOF highlighted that although horseshoe crabs make up only about 0.019 per cent of total capture fisheries landings, they hold premium value and can potentially generate additional income for coastal fishing communities. As a 'living fossil', the horseshoe crab has existed for over 400 million years and is valuable in biomedicine due to its blue blood, which contains amebocyte lysate, an essential component used in the safety testing of vaccines and medicines for bacterial contamination.
According to the DOF, Malaysia is home to three of the world's four horseshoe crab species: Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, Tachypleus gigas, and Tachypleus tridentatus. Despite positive trends in landing data, the population still faces threats from habitat destruction, plastic pollution, and uncontrolled egg harvesting.
In response, the DOF will continue to enhance conservation efforts through enforcement, scientific research, juvenile release programs, and the designation of breeding areas as protected zones. The department also called on communities to collaborate in preserving coastal ecosystems and mangrove forests, underscoring the importance of protecting horseshoe crabs for maintaining marine biodiversity and conserving natural resources for future generations.