Understand
Schoolchildren help rescue crabs ahead of Southsea lake clean-up
Overview
Pupils in Southsea are helping relocate crabs from a lake to the sea before a council-organised clean-up to remove excess sediment and tackle algae growth. The crustaceans are captured using hook-free methods before being identified, measured, and released by the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences, providing educational opportunities and data for local marine research.
Key points
- Schoolchildren are helping relocate crabs from a Southsea lake ahead of a sediment removal project.
- Crabs are caught using hook-free lines and pots before being processed by the University of Portsmouth.
- The lake clean-up was organised by the city council following years of sediment build-up causing algae growth and water quality issues.
- The project allows pupils to engage in marine biology and generate data for use in class.
- Data gathered will also support ongoing research into local marine environmental health.