Dorset Wildlife Trust gives pointers on eco-friendly crabbing

Using hooks, mistreating crabs and littering whilst crabbing is a serious problem but could be avoided say DWT by following their five key guidelines to crabbing the eco-friendly way.

1. Use bait bags instead of hooks

2. Have fewer than three crabs in a bucket at any one time

3. Replace the water frequently

4. Keep the water in the shade

5. Don’t leave litter

DWT’s staff and volunteers will be out at Weymouth Harbour during the Easter holidays, talking to crabbers and giving out fun bucket stickers with the eco-crabbing pointers.

The DWT Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland, will also be holding an exhibition throughout the Easter holidays to celebrate eco-crabbing with crafts and games.

DWT’s Wildlife Skills Trainee and project lead, Steph Aburrow, said, “The exhibition will be great fun, and is one for all the family. It is a chance for you to learn about the life cycle of a crab, see a crab moult that is bigger than a dinner plate, take part in a crab-themed trail around the centre and even go searching for some real crabs yourself.”

Steph added, “Crabbing is fun for all ages and gets people engaging with marine life which is great. All we are asking is that people just take a moment to care for the marine wildlife and protect it for future generations. Please help us to make the campaign a success. Follow our guidelines, spread the message and share your eco-crabbing pictures with us using #EcoCrabbing and see how everyone can help to make a difference.”