Families enjoy record shore crab catches at bathing pier in Assens, Funen

At a bathing pier in Assens, Funen, families are enjoying an abundance of shore crabs. One family reports catching crabs almost every time they cast their line. “We’ve been catching a lot. I don’t know what’s different this year, but we’ve definitely got more crabs,” says Anders Pindstofte, a father in the family.

This year, there is indeed an unusually high number of shore crabs, confirmed by researchers from DTU Aqua, who conducted a sampling in a small area of Lillebælt. “In just two weeks, we were able to collect eight tons, without any noticeable decline in their numbers. The traps were filled in under two hours,” explains Professor Jens Kjerulf Petersen from DTU Aqua.

However, the large crab population poses a threat to marine ecological balance. “Crabs eat a wide variety of organisms, including fish eggs and small shellfish. A significant population can disrupt the ecosystem,” Petersen adds.

The increase in shore crabs is partly attributed to a decline in cod populations that typically feed on these crustaceans. This imbalance can lead to further reductions in fish populations as the crabs consume more fish eggs. Scientists are investigating whether it might be economically viable for fisheries to target shore crabs to help manage their numbers.

Despite their small size, some of the largest shore crabs can be exported, such as to France, where they are considered a delicacy. They can also be used as flavoring in dishes, particularly in Asian cuisine.

While families are advised to catch and consume these crabs, many, like the Pindstofte family, are enjoying the sport of crab-catching and releasing them back into the water for future fun. DTU Aqua plans to conduct further sampling of the shore crab population in Lillebælt in early September.