De-clawing at sea threatens Irish brown crab fishery
The State agency responsible for Irish fisheries law enforcement has published a consumer guide to buying Irish brown crab in a bid to safeguard the fishery which is threatened by the illegal practice of de-clawing at sea.
‘It is the responsibility of every crab fisherman in Ireland to ensure the sustainability of this fishery and to work with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) to ensure stocks are maintained,’ a statement reads.
De-clawing is the practice of manually removing one or both claws from a live crab and discarding the animal into the water
In Irish waters, de-clawing at sea is prohibited under Council Regulation (EC) No 724/2001 on the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juvenile and marine organisims.
On board retention of separated crab claws exceeding a maximum of 1% of the total catch weight is prohibited.
Discarding de-clawed brown crab or using them as bait has the potential to introduce serious disease into the stock. A higher incidence of Bitter Crab Disease (BCD) has been noted in Irish waters, according to the SFPA.
“We have to work together to change the practice of de-clawing at sea. I use the word ‘we’ to include both crab fishermen and the SFPA,” remarked the agency’s chair, Susan Steele.
“It is in everyone’s interest to maintain a brown crab fishery in Ireland and to encourage more stocks. The legislation is there to protect the industry and the stocks. The practice of throwing clawless, defenceless crabs into the sea, to be scavenged on by predators, does not aid the fishery.
The survival rate of de-clawed brown crab is likely to be low and ultimately reduces the potential yield from the fishery. Survivals are unable to feed effectively and can die of starvation.
The guide highlights simple precautions when purchasing crab. When buying whole crab (live or cooked) ensure it measures at least 130mm across the widest part of the shell. (Legal minimum landing sizes are 130mm or 140mm depending on lfishing vessel location.)
Approximatley 6,000 tonnes of edible brown crab are landed annually by Irish fishermen, worth in excess of €8m.
The sale and/or display of undersize crab is illegal and highly damaging to stock survival.
Confidential line to report illegal activity: 1890 76 76 76
