Crustacean Compassion

🚨 Fishermen jailed after throwing lobsters overboard to hide illegal activity 🚨

Fishermen in Cornwall have been jailed after throwing their catch of lobsters overboard to hide suspected illegal fishing activity, including animals that may have been protected berried females.

In that moment, the lobsters were treated as disposable — handled and discarded to avoid accountability. These are sentient animals, capable of experiencing pain and distress, yet their welfare was entirely disregarded.

We welcome this outcome. It is important to see serious mistreatment and illegal activity met with meaningful consequences, reinforcing that this kind of behaviour has no place in a responsible seafood industry.

This case also highlights the vital role of regular inspections and enforcement in protecting both marine life and those fishers who operate within the law.

Many in the industry work responsibly, respect regulations and recognise the importance of sustainability and animal welfare — and it is essential that they are supported by a system that holds bad practice to account.

👉 https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/council-budgets-and-economy/fishermen-who-threw-lobsters-overboard-during-inspection-and-threatened-officers-are-jailed/

🦐 Fun Fact Friday: Meet the “Beetlejuice” lobsters! 🖤🤍

Have you ever seen a lobster that looks like they are dressed in a stripy suit?

Zebra squat lobsters are tiny, striking crustaceans with bold black-and-white stripes, so eye-catching they’ve been compared to Beetlejuice!

These fascinating little animals are often found living on or near other marine creatures like crinoids (feather stars), relying on these habitats to survive.

Their unique patterns may help them blend in with their surroundings, showing just how complex and specialised marine life can be, and why protecting ocean habitats is so important. 🌍

🦀 Take action for crustaceans today 🦞

Millions of crabs, lobsters and other decapod crustaceans are still being boiled alive, sent alive in the post, claws removed and torn apart alive to name a few of the cruel practices they endure due to not having adequate protections in animal welfare law.

You can help change that.

We’ve launched our MP postcard action – a quick, powerful way to ask your local MP to support better welfare protections for these sentient animals.

💌 It takes just a minute to send
📢 Your message goes straight to your MP’s desk
💥 Together, we can push for compassionate change

👉 Send your postcard now:
https://stopcrustaceancruelty.crustaceancompassion.justpost.cards/