Sea Fishing News

Read all of the latest news about angling, commercial fishing, conservation and other issues relating to the marine environment from the UK and beyond.

April 2026 News

Marine life ‘doubles’ on muddy seabeds free from trawling: Muddy seabeds long dismissed as barren are, in fact, among the most quietly productive habitats in UK waters, according to a new research project which took place across Scotland’s west coast. A study of the South Arran marine protected area (MPA) found that zones shielded from destructive fishing methods hold roughly twice as many species as neighbouring areas still exposed to trawling and dredging. The findings challenge a persistent assumption that soft, silty seafloors have little ecological value. Instead, scientists say these environments can begin to recover within a decade if left undisturbed, with key species returning and biodiversity steadily rebuilding. However, they caution that the climate benefits – particularly the restoration of carbon stored in seabed sediments – are likely to take far longer to materialise. Researchers compared fourteen sites in and around the MPA, where some areas have been protected from seabed-towed fishing gear for more than ten years, while others continue to be worked for species such as scallops and nephrops. Across the sites, more than 1,500 animal species were recorded. Protected areas supported not only a greater variety of life, but also far higher numbers of individual organisms, including worms, shellfish and other invertebrates living within the mud. Dr Ben Harris of the University of Exeter, who led the study, said such seabeds “may appear empty, but they are anything but”. The first signs of recovery are driven by so-called infauna – organisms that live within the sediment – which he likened to pioneer plants colonising disturbed land. Over time, their presence can trigger wider ecological recovery. Yet while marine sediments are recognised as important carbon stores, the study found only early indications of increased carbon retention in protected areas. “These systems recover,” Dr Harris said, “but much more slowly than fish communities, meaning long-term, well-enforced protection is essential.” The research also highlights how centuries of intensive fishing have degraded seabed ecosystems across Europe. Despite their ecological importance, muddy habitats remain largely overlooked, in part due to the economic value of fisheries and the misconception that little is lost by disturbing them. Today, just 0.2 per cent of Europe’s seabed is fully protected from damaging practices. Professor Callum Roberts, also of the University of Exeter, said the results offered cautious optimism. “We’re beginning to reset the system. The signs are promising, but this is only the start,” he said. “The evidence is clear: protection works. What’s missing now is the urgency to act.” Read more by clicking here.

Should we learn to love cockles again?: An article on the BBC website this month asked if UK consumers should learn to love eating cockles again. The small shellfish species was popular in previous decades, and is commonly sold by the pint or half pint, but demand has dropped by around 30 per cent in the last fifty years. Food historian Annie Gray told the BBC that British consumer attitudes to snacks had changed with cockles falling out of fashion, and a “packet of crisps” or a “sweet bun” were now more popular choices. Loren Hiller of the Marine Stewardship Council, also speaking to the BBC, said that “cockles have gone a little bit out of fashion” and the ‘Big Five’ seafood species of cod, haddock, tuna, prawns and salmon now dominate seafood sales. Cockles will be promoted by the MSC, which is starting a new campaign to promote local UK seafoods, while the BBC provided recipes including cockles such as a Tahi-style fish curry, pan-fried brill and oxtail and roasted lamb cutlets with leek, garlic and cockle vinagarette. Read more here.

Millions of oysters to be released into North Sea: More than 15 million juvenile oysters are to be released into the North Sea as part of one of the UK’s most ambitious marine restoration projects. The initiative, centred off the coast of Orkney, seeks to re-establish a large native oyster bed using a new technique. The oysters are being cultivated onshore on calcium-enriched plates before being transferred to the sea, where they will be suspended on lines to protect them from predators during their early development. Once established, they will form reefs that provide habitat for a diverse array of marine life, from shellfish and seaweed to small fish and invertebrates. Marine scientists involved in the scheme believe the effort could trigger a “trophic cascade” – a chain reaction of ecological benefits that extends throughout the food web, from microscopic organisms to fish, seabirds and marine mammals. Richard Land, the marine specialist leading the project, said the impact would reach far beyond the immediate area. Restored oyster reefs, he said, can transform entire ecosystems by improving water quality and creating complex habitats that support a wide range of species. Backed by a coalition including the Green Britain Foundation, the Nature Restoration Fund, Marine Fund Scotland and North Bay Innovations, the project is also intended as a model for similar efforts across the UK and Europe. Oyster beds were once a defining feature of Britain’s coastal waters, with some North Sea reefs stretching across areas comparable in size to Wales. Their decline, driven by centuries of overfishing, industrial pollution and coastal development, has had profound ecological consequences. In the mid-19th century alone, Londoners are estimated to have consumed around 700 million oysters in a decade, a level of exploitation that proved unsustainable. The loss of these reefs disrupted marine ecosystems, contributing to what scientists describe as a long-term “negative cascade.” Restoration efforts now aim not only to reverse that damage but also to address modern environmental challenges. Oysters are natural filter feeders, capable of improving water quality, and their reefs can act as carbon sinks. Research cited by the project’s backers suggests the restored bed – expected to cover more than 100 hectares – could capture up to 76 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Over time, if natural reproduction takes hold, that figure could increase dramatically. The scheme has been broadly welcomed by local representatives and scientists, who see it as a practical step towards restoring degraded marine environments. Researchers emphasise that, with oyster populations now so depleted, active intervention is essential if they are to recover at scale. Read more by clicking here.

Trawling ban set to be implemented at Beachy Head: A new law banning trawling and scallop dredging in an area off the Sussex coast has been approved, extending protections across one of the region’s most ecologically significant marine areas. The measure covers a 101 square mile (164 sq km) zone off Beachy Head, which has been designated as a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). The site is home to sensitive habitats, including chalk reefs, reef-building worms and the short-snouted seahorse. Conservationists have long argued that such environments are particularly vulnerable to bottom-towed fishing gear, which drags heavy nets or dredges across the seabed. The decision builds on earlier restrictions introduced in 2021, when bottom trawling was prohibited across a larger stretch of Sussex waters. With the latest extension, nearly 30 per cent of the county’s inshore waters are now protected from the practice. The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), which oversees the area, said the new rules would help safeguard vital nursery and feeding grounds for commercially important fish species. Its chief officer, Robert Pearson, has previously highlighted the importance of the Beachy Head reef system as both a habitat and a refuge for juvenile marine life. Under the new byelaw, trawls, seines and dredges are prohibited in the most sensitive parts of the site, although a smaller 11 square mile (28 sq km) area remains open where such habitats are absent. Lower-impact commercial fishing methods, including static nets, pots and rod-and-line fishing, will still be permitted. Enforcement will fall to IFCA patrols, which monitor vessel speeds and activity. Boats towing heavy gear typically move slowly, making them relatively easy to identify. Since the introduction of earlier restrictions, the authority says it has not needed to issue any penalties for breaches. The measures have not been universally welcomed. Some in the fishing industry argue that expanding exclusion zones threatens livelihoods. Michael Scott, a trawlerman based in Newhaven for more than fifty years, said each new closure reduces income and questioned whether the protected areas would deliver long-term benefits, particularly given the migratory nature of some fish species. But conservation groups point to early signs of recovery. Researchers involved in the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project report increases in species such as lobster, brown crab and seahorses since the initial ban. Ministers are now considering whether to introduce similar restrictions in other Marine Protected Areas around the UK. Click here to read more.

Greenland shark washes up on Irish coast: A rare deep-sea shark species has been discovered washed up on Ireland’s north-west coast. The Greenland shark, a species renowned for its extraordinary longevity, was found washed ashore at Finisklin in County Sligo on Saturday, in what is believed to be the first ever instance of the species being recorded on any Irish coast. Greenland sharks are a mysterious species with scientists still unsure about many aspects of their life cycle. They are also the world’s longest living vertebrate species and may have a lifespan of up to five centuries, although this specimen is believed to have been around 150 years old. The find initially puzzled observers with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) saying the first reports they received were that a two-metre-long basking shark had been washed onto the shore. But photographs quickly revealed a far rarer discovery. Native to the frigid waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, the species inhabits one of the planet’s most extreme marine environments, where temperatures frequently fall below freezing. Despite these conditions, it thrives through a slow, energy-efficient lifestyle, scavenging for food and relying on a highly developed sense of smell. This is thought to compensate for its poor eyesight, with some individuals believed to be functionally blind. Greenland sharks can grow to between four and six metres in length and are notable not only for their size but for their unusual biology. As well as their very long lifespan, they mature remarkably late at around 150 years of age, and have an extended gestation period estimated at between eight and eighteen years. Recovering the shark proved challenging. The Natural History Museum of Ireland (NHMI), which has taken possession of the shark, said it was located in a difficult-to-reach area of coastline and required specialist equipment, including a crane, to remove it. Scientists will now conduct a detailed post-mortem examination, with tissue samples and anatomical features preserved for further study. Subject to the condition of the remains, the museum hopes to eventually display the shark, offering visitors a rare opportunity to learn more about a species that has remained largely hidden in the depths for centuries. Read more by clicking here.

Guardian reports on ‘national scandal’ of trawling in UK protected areas: Nearly 40 per cent of England’s seas are designated as marine protected areas (MPAs), intended to safeguard vulnerable habitats and species from human activity. However, new figures have raised questions about how effective these protections are in practice. Data covering the four years to 2024 show that more than 1.3 million tonnes of fish were caught within English MPAs, including by large-scale trawlers using extensive nets. Campaigners have argued that this undermines the purpose of the designations, and have claimed that many protected areas exist largely in name rather than in function. Greenpeace UK has criticised the current system, pointing to continued industrial fishing within areas meant to support the recovery of marine ecosystems. Its analysis of UK and EU fisheries data indicates that over one million tonnes of fish were taken by pelagic trawlers during the period. These vessels deploy large midwater nets capable of capturing substantial volumes of fish in a single operation. A further 250,000 tonnes were caught using bottom-towed gear, which drag weighted nets across the seabed. This method is widely regarded by scientists and conservation groups as particularly damaging, as it can disturb or destroy seabed habitats and the species that depend on them. Concerns about fishing pressure come against a backdrop of declining fish stocks. The UK’s MPA network has expanded significantly since its introduction in the early 1980s. There are currently seventy-eight designated offshore sites, forming part of a wider network that rises to 377 areas when inshore locations are included. Legislation introduced in 2020 gave the government powers to restrict certain fishing activities within these zones to support conservation objectives but implementation has been slow. Measures to limit or ban seabed trawling in some protected areas remain under consultation, and large fishing vessels continue to operate in ecologically sensitive regions. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has yet to respond publicly to questions about the extent of fishing permitted within MPAs and whether current policies are sufficient to meet conservation goals. Read more by clicking here.

War in Iran puts nation’s fish and chips at risk: Fish and chip shops across Britain are facing mounting cost pressures as the war in the Middle East affects global oil markets, industry experts have warned. Disruption to key shipping routes linked to the Iran crisis has injected fresh volatility into crude prices, with consequences now rippling far beyond the energy sector. Higher fuel costs feed quickly into transport, electricity and overall business expenses – a deeply unwelcome combination for small, independent food outlets already operating on tight margins. Molly Monks, an insolvency specialist at Parker Walsh, said such businesses are often among the first to feel the strain when global shocks take hold. Fish and chip shops, she noted, are particularly exposed. Their reliance on energy-intensive cooking methods and frequent deliveries of fresh produce leaves little room to absorb rising costs. “Even modest increases in fuel, oil or electricity can quickly start to bite,” she said. One of the most significant burdens is the energy required to keep fryers running throughout the day. Maintaining the consistently high temperatures needed for commercial frying consumes large amounts of gas or electricity, making operators especially vulnerable to price spikes. “Frying food commercially requires constant heat,” Monks added. “That means businesses are directly exposed when energy prices rise.” Transport is another pressure point. As fuel costs climb, so too does the price of moving fish, potatoes and other supplies around the country. The cumulative effect can be difficult to manage, particularly as multiple costs often rise in tandem. Increased energy prices can also drive up expenses for refrigeration, packaging and suppliers. Larger chains may be better insulated, with longer-term contracts and greater financial reserves. Independent takeaways, by contrast, often lack such buffers and must react swiftly to changing conditions. For many, that may mean raising prices or cutting portion sizes – decisions that risk alienating customers already grappling with a higher cost of living. Read more here.

Killer seals have started attacking dolphins: Grey seals have been observed attacking and killing dolphins in British and Irish waters, prompting concern among marine experts about a shift in behaviour among one of the UK’s most familiar coastal predators. Wildlife groups have reported a series of incidents in recent months, including encounters captured on camera. In one case off the coast of Dublin in January, a grey seal was seen attacking a common dolphin, its prey thrashing at the surface. Dave O’Connor, of Wolfhound Adventure Tours and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, said he had initially been watching dolphins when he noticed “vigorous splashing” before realising a seal had seized one of the animals. In Wales, what is believed to be the first recorded instance of a grey seal killing a dolphin was identified last month. The carcass of an adult female, measuring around six feet in length, bore distinctive “corkscrew” wounds consistent with seal bites. Similar suspected attacks have also been reported in Devon. While such incidents may appear alarming, specialists stress that the behaviour is not widespread across the population. There are an estimated 120,000 grey seals around the British coastline, and researchers believe only a small number have attacked dolphins. Dr Izzy Langley, of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, said growing evidence suggests some seals are expanding their diet to include other marine mammals, including harbour porpoises and common dolphins. Grey seals were already known to prey on other seals. Scientists think the attacks may involve ambush tactics, with seals approaching from below and catching dolphins off guard. Around twenty individual seals have so far been identified as likely culprits, often recognised by distinctive facial scarring. Some researchers suspect the behaviour could spread gradually if it is learned. The reports have also drawn attention to the potential risks posed by seals to humans, although experts emphasise that attacks on swimmers remain extremely rare. Nevertheless, seals are large, powerful wild animals capable of inflicting serious injury. Authorities advise members of the public not to approach, feed or attempt to swim with seals, underscoring that, despite their familiar presence along Britain’s shores, they remain formidable predators. Read more by clicking here.

Krill wars back on: An environmental activist vessel has collided with a commercial fishing ship in Antarctic waters, marking a significant escalation in tensions over krill harvesting in the Southern Ocean. The incident involved the Bandero, operated by the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, and the Antarctic Sea, a trawler owned by Aker QRILL, one of the world’s largest krill producers. According to the company, the activist vessel struck the stern of the larger ship during a confrontation at sea. Footage shows the smaller vessel approaching at low speed before making contact at an angle. No injuries were reported, and all crew members and observers aboard the Antarctic Sea were confirmed safe, but the company described the action as reckless, warning that a more forceful impact could have caused serious damage, including the risk of fuel leakage in a highly ecologically sensitive environment. The activist group said that the collision was a deliberate but controlled intervention aimed at drawing attention to what it describes as the ecological risks of industrial krill fishing. It also alleged that vessels involved in the operation had engaged in manoeuvres that posed a hazard to its ship, though this claim has not been independently verified. Krill, small shrimp-like crustaceans found in vast numbers in Antarctic waters, are a key component of the marine food chain, supporting species such as whales, seals and penguins. Demand for krill has grown in recent years, particularly for use in aquaculture feed and nutritional products. Fishing in the region is regulated by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which sets catch limits and oversees conservation measures. The confrontation follows increasing scrutiny of the industry after an early closure of the 2024 fishing season, when vessels reached the annual catch limit months ahead of schedule. It also reflects a broader campaign by the activist group, which announced plans to target krill operations as part of a wider effort to protect marine ecosystems. Industry representatives have condemned the collision, describing it as a breach of maritime safety standards and warning of the potential environmental consequences of such actions. The Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies said the incident posed risks to both crews and the surrounding ecosystem. The episode echoes earlier confrontations between environmental groups and whaling fleets in Antarctic waters, highlighting the re-emergence of direct-action tactics in disputes over marine resource use. As pressure on Antarctic ecosystems grows, such incidents underline the increasingly contested nature of conservation and commercial activity in the region. Read more here.

World Trade Organisation talks to end overfishing funding remain unresolved: Governments have agreed to revive long-stalled negotiations on global fishing subsidies, setting a new target of mid-2028 to conclude a second phase of reforms aimed at reducing overfishing. The commitment was made at the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference, though little substantive progress was achieved during the meeting itself. Talks on fisheries subsidies have been underway at the World Trade Organisation since 2001, reflecting growing concern over the role of government support in driving unsustainable fishing practices. In 2022, members agreed to split negotiations into two parts, enabling a first agreement, known as ‘Fish One’, to be finalised after more than two decades of discussion. Fish One, which entered into force in September 2025, focuses on eliminating subsidies linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as well as fishing on already overexploited stocks. However, the more contentious issue – how to curb subsidies that increase fishing capacity and contribute to overfishing – was deferred to a second stage, commonly referred to as “Fish Two”. Progress on this second phase has been limited. While most WTO members support the draft text, a small number of countries, including the United States, India and Indonesia, have raised objections that have prevented consensus. Because WTO decisions require unanimous agreement, the negotiations remain effectively stalled. At the centre of the dispute are questions of fairness and implementation. Developing countries argue that existing proposals do not adequately account for differences in economic capacity or the needs of small-scale fishers. Some have also raised concerns that requirements to demonstrate the sustainability of fish stocks may favour wealthier nations with more advanced scientific and monitoring systems. At the same time, the broader environmental context has added urgency to the talks. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, more than one-third of global fish stocks are overfished, while many others are being exploited at or near their maximum sustainable limits. Despite this, governments collectively provide an estimated £26 billion in annual subsidies to the global fishing industry, with a significant proportion considered harmful because it encourages overcapacity and expands fishing into less viable areas. A relatively small group of major economies accounts for the majority of this support, often benefiting large industrial fleets. This has led to criticism that current subsidy regimes disadvantage lower-income countries and small-scale fishers, who must compete with heavily subsidised operations. The timeline for agreement is further constrained by a provision within Fish One requiring a comprehensive deal to be reached within four years of its implementation. If no agreement is secured by 2029, the entire framework could lapse, including the measures already in force. While most WTO members favour concluding a deal, even if limited in scope, divisions over equity, sovereignty and enforcement continue to hinder progress. As negotiations resume, the outcome will be critical in determining whether international efforts to address overfishing can move beyond incremental reform. Read more by clicking here.

More than ten million fish eaten by cod in hours: A large-scale predation event involving capelin and Atlantic cod has provided scientists with new insight into how marine ecosystems function under pressure. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Norwegian institutions observed the event using advanced acoustic monitoring techniques in the Barents Sea. Their findings describe what is believed to be the largest recorded instance of marine predation. Capelin, a small Arctic fish, gather in dense shoals to spawn. During the observed event, millions of fish formed a single aggregation stretching over 10 kilometres. This concentration attracted large numbers of Atlantic cod, which also grouped together in response. Over the course of several hours, the cod consumed an estimated 10 million capelin. The observations were made possible using Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS), a system capable of tracking fish movements across wide areas. The technology works by detecting sound waves reflected by fish swim bladders, allowing researchers to distinguish between species and monitor their behaviour in near real time. Data showed that as capelin numbers increased, their movements became more coordinated, forming a dense and highly structured shoal. While this behaviour may offer some protection against predators under normal conditions, it can also make the fish more conspicuous when large predators are nearby. In this case, cod rapidly formed a coordinated feeding aggregation, exploiting the concentration of prey. Despite the scale of the event, researchers note that it is unlikely to have a significant impact on overall capelin populations. The shoal involved represented only a small proportion — around 0.1 per cent — of the total spawning stock in the region. However, the study highlights potential risks linked to environmental change. As Arctic sea ice continues to retreat, capelin may need to travel further to reach spawning grounds, increasing their exposure to predators. Such shifts could alter the balance between species in ways that are not yet fully understood. Capelin are considered a key species in northern marine ecosystems, serving as an important food source for cod and other predators. Understanding how large-scale interactions like this occur may help scientists better assess the resilience of these systems in the face of climate change and other human pressures. Read more here.

UK consumers urged to “completely avoid” cod: Consumers are being urged to avoid buying UK-caught cod altogether, after the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) warned that stocks have fallen to critically low levels despite scientific calls for a halt to fishing. In its latest update to the Good Fish Guide, the charity has downgraded all UK-caught cod to its lowest sustainability rating. The move, described by the guide’s manager Kerry Lyne as a “warning signal”, reflects mounting concern that continued fishing risks further undermining the species’ recovery. Cod stocks have been declining since around 2015, driven primarily by overfishing, alongside rising sea temperatures and wider environmental pressures that affect breeding success and juvenile survival. The situation has become so acute that the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea recommended a zero-catch policy for 2026 in the North Sea and neighbouring waters, warning that stocks are approaching levels at which they may struggle to reproduce. That advice has not been fully adopted. Following annual negotiations with the EU and Norway, the UK government instead announced a 44 per cent reduction in allowable catches for 2026. While significant, conservationists argue the cut falls short of what is required to rebuild the population. The MCS has also downgraded trawled scampi, citing similar concerns over stock pressure and environmental impact. Only scampi caught using lower-impact methods, such as pots or creels, now meet its recommended standard. The warning on cod echoes last year’s concerns over mackerel, which was removed from the guide’s recommended list after prolonged overfishing linked to international quota disputes. Retailers have begun to respond: the supermarket chain Waitrose recently announced it would stop selling mackerel, citing the need to keep fishing within sustainable limits. Campaigners say the issue highlights broader structural challenges in UK fisheries management. Chris Graham, head of sustainable seafood at the MCS, warned that “iconic” species are facing increasing pressure, and called for stronger government action to support low-impact fishing and allow stocks to recover. With roughly 80 per cent of seafood consumed in the UK imported, the organisation is encouraging consumers to consider alternatives. These include European hake and sustainably sourced haddock, as well as shellfish such as mussels and farmed freshwater trout — choices that, it argues, can help ease pressure on vulnerable stocks while supporting more responsible fishing practices. Click here to read more on the Guardian website.

Eels being released into UK waterways: Once a common sight in Britain’s rivers, the European eel suffered a dramatic collapse in the late 20th century, with populations falling by as much as 94 per cent during the 1980s. Pollution, parasites and a host of man-made barriers along river systems combined to devastate the species, pushing it to the brink of disappearance in many waterways. Now, conservationists are attempting a careful recovery. Across parts of southern England, efforts are underway to reintroduce eels and restore a measure of ecological balance to rivers where they once thrived. On the River Kennet, which flows through Wiltshire and Berkshire, scientists and volunteers are deploying so-called “eel mops” – artificial habitats made from synthetic rope that mimic the dense vegetation eels favour. Dr Emily Best, who has been closely involved in the project, describes the animals as “fascinating creatures” and says the mops provide a vital refuge from predators in otherwise exposed stretches of water. The eel’s life cycle is among the most remarkable in the natural world. Born in the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic, larvae drift thousands of miles on ocean currents before reaching European coasts. There, they transform into tiny, translucent “glass eels” and begin their journey upstream into freshwater rivers, where they will spend much of their lives before eventually returning to the Atlantic to breed. The Kennet project is being supported by citizen scientists, with volunteers helping to monitor eel activity at multiple sites along the river. Organisers hope to gather valuable data while also engaging local communities in conservation work. The initiative forms part of a wider programme led by the Thames Rivers Trust, in partnership with Action for the River Kennet and supported by National Lottery funding. Alongside fieldwork, the project includes education campaigns, school visits and community events aimed at raising awareness of a species many regard as unfamiliar. Read more on this story on the BBC News website by clicking here.

RSPCA in Cornwall calls for crabbing to be banned: Holidaymakers in Cornwall are being urged to reconsider how they take part in the long-standing seaside pastime of crabbing, after new research suggested many people remain unconvinced that the animals can feel pain. A survey conducted as part of the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index found that only 45 per cent of respondents believed crabs and other similar species are sentient. The charity said the findings pointed to a significant gap in public understanding, despite growing scientific consensus that decapod crustaceans – including crabs, lobsters and prawns – are capable of experiencing pain, distress and even positive sensations. Campaigners are not calling for an outright end to crabbing, a tradition woven into the fabric of many Cornish harbours, but they are pressing for greater awareness of how the animals are treated. Jenny Longden of the RSPCA described current attitudes as “astounding”, questioning whether removing crabs from their natural environment for entertainment could be justified without stronger safeguards. “We know people enjoy these activities,” she said, “but we have to ask whether it’s necessary to take animals out of the sea, confine them in buckets and handle them in ways that may cause harm. There are other ways to appreciate marine life.” Others emphasise the cultural and educational value of the practice. Andrew Trevarton, harbour master at Mevagissey, described crabbing as an “integral part” of the village’s heritage, passed down through generations of visitors who return with their own children. Marine conservationists argue that tradition and animal welfare need not be at odds. Matt Slater of Cornwall Wildlife Trust said the key lay in responsible handling. Buckets should be filled with fresh seawater, kept cool and shaded, and not overcrowded; any crabs caught should be returned promptly and carefully to the water. “If people treat the animals with respect, crabbing can continue,” he said. “But awareness has to improve.” The debate comes as the legal status of such species continues to evolve. While crabs and fish are recognised under the Animal Sentience Act 2022, they are not covered by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, leaving campaigners to argue that public behaviour, as much as legislation, will determine their welfare. Read more by clicking here.

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