Crabbing and rock pooling are hugely popular activities here in Cornwall. A seaside holiday is not complete without crabbing!  

At Cornwall Wildlife Trust we have always encouraged both activities as long as they are done respectfully. I personally spent many hours crabbing and rockpooling as a child and many other marine conservationists developed their passion in this way.  In this world where so many young people are disconnected from the natural world the fun activity of crabbing provides enriching activities which help us appreciate nature, and until you understand it you won't want to protect it. The intertidal zone is a harsh environment and crabs and other rockpool species are surprisingly robust as a result. We monitor shores all around Cornwall and there is very little evidence that human activities such as crabbing and rockpooling impact populations of marine species.  

However, the RSPCA has recently highlighted the growing scientific evidence that crustaceans are sentient beings capable of feeling pain and distress. The charity warns that crowded buckets and rapid temperature changes subject the creatures to severe stress and recommends observing animals in natural rock pools instead. Shallow buckets of seawater left in the sun warm up very quickly, which severely depletes oxygen levels and stresses the animals. Placing too many crabs in a small bucket can cause them to fight, resulting in torn-off claws and further injury. These observations are not at all new and  we have been highlighting these issues for years. 

I completely agree that crabs and other rockpool animals are sentient and have feelings but I also believe that crabbing and rockpooling should be able to continue if guidelines to protect the welfare of the animals are followed, and we all do our best to educate the public. 

One of our associated groups, Looe Marine Conservation Group, have a crabbing code which they developed with Looe Harbour Authority to minimise harm done by crabbing. The code is now being adopted by many other harbours including Mevagissey.    

The Crabbing Code

1. Refresh sea water regularly
2. Only use a net bag for bait (no hooks are needed on crab lines)
3. No more than three crabs per bucket
4. Keep crabs in the shade
5. Remove crabs if they are fighting
6. Carefully put crabs back in the water 

Only put crabs into a large bucket – they need lots of cool seawater. In a small bucket they can run out of oxygen quickly.

Organised crabbing competitions like this one organised by Looe Marine Conservation group are a great way to educate the public on how to safely crab. Children are shown how to pick up crabs and as they fish they return small ones and keep just their three largest ones. Prizes are given for the largest specimens not the number caught.  

How to safely handle a crab

Many people are afraid of being pinched so handling crabs is often stressful and can result in them being dropped and harmed. If you know how to safely handle a crab it is far less risky for both you and the animal. Never  try to hold a crab by putting your fingers underneath it – not only are you far more likely to get pinched - you may also squash its tail and harm any eggs it may be carrying.   

1. Firmly push your index finger onto the middle of the crabs shell – this stops it running away and gives you time.
2. Take your thumb and your second finger and put them under the edge of the shell behind each claw.
3. Squeeze firmly so you have a good grip.
4. Don’t worry if the legs wriggle: they can’t hurt you – crabs feet are pointy but not sharp enough to harm you at all.
5. Hold the crab above the bucket of water so you can have a look at it, then put it back in the bucket or into the sea. 

Larger crabs such as spider crabs require you to hold them with two hands with your fingers under the spines on the edges of the shell. 

Respecting the marine environment

While enjoying activities like crabbing and rock pooling, it’s important to think about the wider marine environment and how to minimize your impact. Always obey the seashore code.

1. Show respect for sea shore creatures: handle them as little as possible and always put them back where you found them.
2. Take photos home, not animals.
3. Always put overturned rocks back carefully as you found them.
4. Take your rubbish home with you or put it in a bin.
5. Keep safe on the sea shore, check the tides and keep away from cliffs and big waves.

Ocean plastic

Always look for biodegradable crab lines. In some harbours lost plastic crab lines are a major source of marine pollution.   

 Its very easy to make your own crab line out of biodegradable materials!   

You will need: a short piece of smooth drift wood or old broom handle, some garden twine (biodegradable) and a weight: a stone or a fishing weight.   

Cut a piece of twine approximately five meters long and tie it to the piece of wood.   

Wrap it around the wood. Then tie the weight or stone on the string, leaving a tail approximately 30 cm long. This is then used to attach some bait – we recommend bacon, just tie it on.  

And hey presto - you have a biodegradable crab line!  

Happy crabbing