For parents in a pinch this summer there’s a new kids’ activity on offer – counting crabs.
La Société Guernesiase is asking young islanders and their families to take part in a crab survey, newt Thursday, 13 August, at Portelet Bay from 13:15 to 14:30.
Children will be shown how to safely survey crabs by collecting them in trays, identifying their species and taking measurements.
Sarah Allez, Education Conservation Officer, said: “This event engages children and families with nature and our local species; teaching them what crabs we have on island, why they are important and how we can best look after them.”
The survey will assess the status and health of Guernsey’s crabs, monitor changes in population of both native and non-native species and help to monitor the impact humans have had on them.
Because crabs are easily effected by warming seas, fishing and the introduction of invasive species they are an useful marker of a coastal environment’s health. Ms Allez said this makes crabs “an ideal subject to help indicate how oceans are changing and the impact of these threats.”
The data collected will be contribute to the Guernsey Biological Records Centre and will become part of Guernsey’s local marine database.
Those who would like to register for the event are being asked to email their children’s names to Ms Allez at eca@societe.org.gg.
