RSPCA issues Easter ‘crabbing’ warning to North Devon holidaymakers

The RSPCA has urged families visiting North Devon’s beaches this Easter to reconsider traditional activities like crabbing to protect “sentient” aquatic life.

Coinciding with World Aquatic Animal Day on 3 April, the charity is urging people visiting beaches such as Croyde, Woolacombe, and Saunton Sands to avoid activities like crabbing and enjoy watching animals in rockpools without disturbing them. 

It has highlighted the importance of animal well-being by providing scientific evidence that creatures such as fish, frogs, crabs, and lobsters are sentient, meaning they can feel pain, distress, and even positive emotions.

The RSPCA’s latest Animal Kindness Index indicated that public awareness of this subject is low. 

Only 44 per cent of people believe fish are sentient, while just 45 per cent recognise the sentience of animals like lobsters and crabs. 

The RSPCA Senior Scientific and Policy Officer, Chloe Stevens, said: “Aquatic animals are so amazing. Some species of fish are able to count, recognise individual human faces, use tools, remember routes through complex mazes and can even learn by observing each other.

“Certain species - including manta rays and cleaner wrasse - have passed a ‘mirror self-recognition test’, suggesting self-awareness - something only a handful of all animal species have been found to do. 

“Decapod crustaceans have shown signs of sentience too, including caring for their injuries, giving up important resources to avoid painful experiences, and forming long-term memories.”

Fish and decapod crustaceans have some recognition in law, but are not protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The RSPCA says greater awareness and compassion are needed towards aquatic life. 

“A huge range of animals live in our seas, rivers, and ponds, and we are still discovering just how complex they are,” added Chloe. 

“All aquatic animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect - and this is a great time of year for people to spread the message, learn more about these amazing animals, and help keep them safe.”

The RSPCA has also advised on how the public can contribute. 

Create a wildlife pond in your back garden, leave frogspawn and tadpoles to grow in their wild homes, and sign the Crustacean Compassion’s Petition to improve legal protection for crabs and other decapod crustaceans.