SOFT-SHELL CRABS ECO-TOURISM CENTRE IN KUALA GULA, PERAK

Abstract

The depletion of mud crab population within mangrove areas in Malaysia is primarily due to over-catching, and a lack of breeding centre. The core issue in Kuala Gula Mangrove area in Perak is the depletion of mud crabs, leading to a reduction in soft-shell crab numbers despite their high demand as a seafood source. Soft shell crab is an authentic food delicacy in Perak. Consequently, there is an opportunity to establish an a centre that becomes breeding facilities for soft shell crab and mud crab plus research facilities that increase the production of species and related products. This centre will also become tourists attraction to see the breeding process, tour at mangrove area, and taste the delicate soft shell crabs' cuisine. The objective of this thesis is to design an ecotourism centre focused on soft-shell crab production and mud crab breeding, while simultaneously promoting tourism and aquaculture. Specific goals include offering workshops on soft-shell crab processing for fishermen nationwide, breeding and releasing significant numbers of mud crabs to restore ecological balance in the estuary and establishing appropriate dining and tourism facilities to enhance soft-shell crab production. Data collection methods employed include literature reviews, site studies, in-depth interviews, precedent studies, and case analyses. Findings suggest that the site's proximity to mangrove forests, the natural habitat of mud crabs, makes it suitable for the construction of an ecotourism centre.