AMAPÁ, BRAZIL — The largest reproductive migration of uçá crabs in 2026 occurred outside the closed season at the Maracá-Jipioca Ecological Station (Esec), located on Maracá Island in the northern region of Amapá state. Researchers from the Costamar Project recorded the phenomenon in August.

The discovery indicates that the current calendar does not protect the species throughout its reproductive phase. The study brings together data that could contribute to the review and definition of a new policy suited to the reproductive cycle of the uçá crab in the state.

According to representatives of the Costamar Project, there is still no explanation for the occurrence of the reproductive migrations outside the scheduled period.

The reproductive migration is the period when males and females leave in search of mates for reproduction. This movement was identified outside the closed season, and capturing the animals during this phase could harm reproduction, crab stocks and the commercialization of the species.

Researchers conduct monitoring every 15 days at the ecological station. One hypothesis considers that environmental factors in the state, such as climate and mangrove conditions, influence the timing of the reproductive migrations.

The animals' behavior also varies from one year to another. The research is expected to last three years to expand the database and identify a reproductive pattern in Amapá.

In other states, similar studies have already been conducted, and the results have contributed to the definition of new closed seasons.

The closed season protects certain species during important phases of their reproductive cycle. During this period, legislation establishes restrictions on fishing and commercialization to allow the animals to reproduce and contribute to the renewal of stocks. Closed-season rules vary according to the species and region.

Amazon Agency