The crab fishing ban, known as the defeso, for the caranguejo-uçá begins on October 17 in Paraíba. This measure is enacted by the Superintendência de Administração do Meio Ambiente (Sudema) to ensure the protection of the species during its breeding season when the crustacean emerges from its burrow. The ban prohibits activities such as capture, transportation, processing, industrialization, and commercialization of the caranguejo-uçá to safeguard its reproductive cycle.

During the defeso period, strict enforcement measures are in place, and violators can face significant fines ranging from R$ 700 to R$ 100,000. The regulations stipulate that only legally licensed merchants are allowed to sell crab during this time, and consumers can purchase it only if it is sourced legally from stocks declared before the defeso period. The Sudema has outlined specific dates for this year's crab fishing ban, which aims to maintain sustainable practices and protect the local marine ecosystem.

This defeso period reflects the growing recognition of the need for conservation measures in the face of overfishing and habitat degradation. By enforcing these regulations, the local authorities aim to promote responsible harvesting and ensure the long-term viability of the crab population in Paraíba, which plays a crucial role in the local economy and biodiversity. The initiative is part of broader environmental conservation efforts aimed at protecting vital species and their habitats in the coastal regions of Brazil.