south devon crab - an introduction:
Watch this short video for an introduction into how we catch brown crab.
(NB. Footage taken before safety requirements changed).
(NB. Footage taken before safety requirements changed).
SOUTH WEST BROWN CRAB - A SUSTAINABLE CHOICE.
- Potting is a low impact method of fishing - some call it 'invitation fishing'. The static nature of the fishing gear used means that gear / seabed interactions are minimal; a fact which is supported by scientific research.
- The species we target have a legal minimum landing size (minimum conservation reference size), which was determined by scientific research and allows the fish grow to breeding size before being caught.
- Potting is highly selective, meaning that by and large, only the target species are caught in the pots - any unwanted catches can be returned to the sea alive, including any which are too small to be landed, are egg carrying (berried) or injured.
- Inside 6nm, where many of our members fish, we are legally obliged to have escape gaps fitted on our parlour pots. This means that any small or non target species can escape without our help.
- Potting relies on the sale of a live product, be it crab, lobster or whelks and it is in our interest to ensure that our catches are cared for whilst they are in our custody.
- Sustainability is important to us. At SD&CS our members follow a 'voluntary code of conduct' which represents best practice and goes beyond what is legally required of us. You can view it here.
Illustrative image by Toni Knights.