It came before a trial to remove excess sediment began

Schoolchildren from two Southsea schools joined University of Portsmouth marine scientists and Portsmouth City Council to rescue crabs from Canoe Lake this week, ahead of works to improve the lake's long-term health.

Pupils from Ark Ayrton Primary Academy and Bramble Infant School and Nursery spent Thursday collecting crabs and shrimp from the water, before a trial to remove excess sediment began.

Pupils from Bramble Infant School and Nursery with their Year 2 teacher Fiona Shellard, proudly holding up their paper crabs by Canoe Lake, Southsea. Credit: University of Portsmouth.

placeholder image — Pupils from Bramble Infant School and Nursery with their Year 2 teacher Fiona Shellard, proudly holding up their paper crabs by Canoe Lake, Southsea. Credit: University of Portsmouth.

Using hook-free crab lines and pots, the children caught the crabs and carried them to the nearby beach, where they released them safely into the sea. Experts from the University's Institute of Marine Sciences identified and measured each crab, gathering ecological data to support ongoing research into the health of local marine environments.

Professor Alex Ford, from the School of the Environment and Life Sciences and the Institute of the Earth and Environment, said: “We're working with lots of schoolchildren from the area, so it's a really good opportunity for us to engage with local schools, teach them a little bit of science and marine biology along the way, and get them engaged with the natural environment.

“It's important that they feel attached to their local environment. Hopefully when they grow up, they'll feel more attached to it and want to look after it.”

Young scientists at work

Alongside the crabs, the children found plenty of shrimp and learned how to tell male and female crabs apart from the shape of the abdomen on their underside. Six-year-old Albie said: “We caught lots of shrimp and some crabs. They've been really crazy, running around.”

Rosie added: “I released the crabs and they went into the ocean to find their new home. It felt happy.”

Councillor Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport at Portsmouth City Council, said: “Canoe Lake is one of Portsmouth's most loved open spaces and an important habitat for a variety of wildlife. This project is a great example of organisations coming together to care for the local environment while giving young people the opportunity to get involved in hands-on conservation work.”

About the Canoe Lake trial

The sediment removal trial forms part of Portsmouth City Council's ongoing work to improve the ecological health of Canoe Lake and begins today (15 October).

Research on the lake has shown that years of sediment build-up have made parts of it shallower. Excess sediment can reduce oxygen levels, restrict water movement and contribute to algae growth, especially in warmer months. Results from the trial will help inform future management of the lake.

The data the pupils helped collect will also be used back in the classroom, giving them a hands-on link between their local environment and subjects across the curriculum.