Shell-shocked at aquarium

A MONSTER crab has been caught and placed in the Mull Aquarium, Europe’s first catch and release facility of its kind.

The aquarium’s unique zoo licence allows creatures caught locally to stay for up to four weeks before they are returned to the sea, where they came from. Not only does this mini- mise the impact on the oceans but it means the displays are always changing. The aquarium has seen more than 83 different species in the past two months.

As a non-profit community company, the aquarium is supported greatly by local fishermen who are regularly bringing in new and exciting creatures.

But aquarium staff were left speechless on Friday when one of the local fishermen delivered this monster edible crab, which he caught earlier in the day.

It will be staying at the aquarium for a short while before it is returned to the sea as part of the catch and release programme.