Contrary to recent science about fish not feeling pain comes news that crabs given electric shocks didn't much like it. This means they may in fact feel pain and, as such, the seafood industry might need to rethink its game. The latest study by Professor Bob Elwood and Barry Magee from Queen's School of Biological Sciences looked at the reactions of common shore crabs to small electrical shocks and their behaviour thereafter.
Professor Elwood's previous research showed that prawns and hermit crabs respond in a way consistent with pain. We're told this latest study provides further evidence of this. In short, a cast of some 90 crabs were put in a brightly illuminated tank with two separate dark holes. When released, the crabs scuttled away into the caves as crabs are wont to do. Select crabs in one cave were electrocuted and given a rest before being returned to the tank. Most returned to the same cave of choice. Then they were shocked again. When introduced to the tank for the third time, the vast majority went to alternative safe shelter. Those not shocked continued to use their preferred shelter. Thus, the study showed that this particular species of shore crab is willing to trade a dark shelter to avoid future electric shocks. That observation was interpreted as a response to their probable pain.
''On a philosophical point it is impossible to demonstrate absolutely that an animal experiences pain,'' concedes Professor Elwood. ''However, various criteria have been suggested regarding what we would expect if pain were to be experienced,'' he says. The research at Queen's has tested those criteria and the data is consistent with the idea of pain. Thus, we conclude that there is a strong probability of pain and the need to consider the welfare of these animals.''
Away from the realms of shell-shocked crabs, comes welcome news of small marlin close to the Sydney coast. The baby blacks are shadowing bait schools in 60-80 metres of water. Snapper and flathead are on the shallow reefs. Plenty of whiting and some solid jewfish have been taken on Sydney's beaches this week, while truly solid kingfish are about the headlands and in Sydney Harbour. Steer clear of the Hawkesbury leases where the oysters were all but wiped out by a virus. The lower reaches are better for jewfish, flathead swiping soft plastics, and there are kingfish in Pittwater.
Besides big kingfish, the harbour action has centred on the Aussie salmon, tailor and bonito chasing sprats and lures. Botany Bay has been better for flathead and bream.