Feasibility study on the culture of mud crab Scylla serrata in the mid coast region of Bangladesh.

A study was conducted at Hatiya and Nijhum Island, Noakhali in the mid coastal region of Bangladesh to identify feasibility of mud crab culture for a study period of six months from January 2010 to June 2010. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews, focus group discussions and cross check interviews. Average yearly collection of mud crabs in this area was about 890.36 tons where lower grade crabs 45.16% and these can be brought under culture practice. It has observed that saline water intrusion was evident 670 Ha. In Hatiya and vast inundated area with saline water was found in Nijhum Island. Overall waiter salinity range was between 2-10 ppt., pH range of 7.8-8.6 and the soil was silt-loamy. The average temperature of the last three years was approximately 26.10 degrees C and rainfall was almost 10.85 mm. It was observed that natural feeds were available in this study area and there was existed a small potential marketing channel with 3-4 middlemen. Also there was a good transportation system both water and road way. So, present study revealed that the area is suitable for crab culture during April to October.