CATCH CRABS AND HELP LIFE IN THE LITTLE BELT
We fight for a Little Belt in balance through four main efforts that reinforce each other. Removing crabs from the belt is one of these. Want to join us?
What’s going to happen?
You’ll be fishing for crabs in two ways. At sea and at the shore. By doing so, you help the Little Belt. Because we have far too many crabs in the sea. And when you help remove them, you’re doing something good for the ecosystem in the belt.
Along the way, you’ll learn a lot about the state of the belt. And about all the actions we’ve taken to restore the natural balance of the belt. You’ll see some of the results. And you’ll be involved in cooking food with crabs and seaweed on the beach. After all, why not enjoy the crabs now that we’ve caught them? It will be a very special culinary experience.
So welcome to a day where you can enjoy nature, a tasty treat from nature’s great larder and the good company you’ll be surrounded by on the day.
Mads Brodersen and Thomas Christiansen are the two instructors of the day. Mads has sailed on the Little Belt all his life and knows every nook and cranny of the nature park. Thomas is equally at home in nature. And on the day, he is in charge of the culinary delights on the beach.
WHAT YOU DON'T SEE WILL MAKE YOU FEEL SORRY
Why is it important?
The balance in the Little Belt has been destroyed. The crabs have gained the upper hand. And they destroy the eelgrass in their hunt for prey. This puts pressure on the fish fry. As if that wasn’t enough, many stone reefs have been removed from the belt. This means fewer fish. And without fish, crabs have no natural enemies and porpoises have no food. It’s a vicious circle. We’re fighting to break it through four efforts that reinforce each other.
We remove crabs because they destroy eelgrass and eat small fish and fry
We plant eelgrass to help fish fry survive
We create better spawning conditions in rivers and streams to ensure more fry
We re-establish stone reefs to increase spawning survival rates
Start at sea or be active on the beach
Start at sea:
The day has two halves. You can start the day by going on a crabbing adventure with Mads. It’s an adventure because you don’t know 100% what’s in it from the start. And come back to the same place. But you never quite know where the experience lies; other than that it’s out there somewhere in nature waiting for you, says Mads. Along the way, we have to empty Mads’ traps. Among the many crabs, there might be an eel. Then you’ll hear the fascinating story of the mysterious fish that breeds all the way over in the Sargasso Sea.
You will get close to the Little Belt. You’ll hear about the cultural history of the area, the ships and porpoise hunting. And other selected historical highlights.
At lunchtime you land on the beach. Now it’s time to turn the crabs into the world’s most delicious pizza. Thomas will help you with that.
Or start on the beach:
You can also start on the beach. At the crab camp where Thomas has set up tents and pavilions. In a short intro, you will learn about the imbalances of the Little Belt. You will also hear about nature’s many resources. And how we humans can act to help nature restore the balance – both in the Little Belt and in your own home.
You will also get out into the belt. In shallow water, where we hunt for crabs and seaweed. And when we’ve gathered enough to feed ourselves, Thomas will help you make a delicious pizza with crab meat, seaweed and other ingredients from local food producers.
It’s nature’s kitchen. And it’s crazy. At lunchtime, you’ll swap teams with those who started at sea. And a new adventure begins.
PS: If we catch more crabs than we use, we leave the leftovers to a local fisherman who makes feed from them. This way, the crabs will not go to waste.
About Mads Brodersen
Mads Brodersen is the owner of Vends Motorik- og Naturskole, where he also teaches. Mads has made play and joy of life to the guiding principles in his work. He has many qualifications and is a nature guide, among other things. He has walked in his children’s hiking boots in Naturpark Lillebælt. And he is a formidable communicator. Look can look forward to meeting him.
About Thomas Christiansen
Thomas Christiansen runs the company fornemmelser.dk, where he helps young and not-so-young people get acquainted with everything from the open sea to the beach and forest. He has been doing this since 2004. Thomas is an avid swimmer. But on the day, you will meet Thomas in his other ace, namely as a nature guide and chef. Look forward to a meeting that will make you wiser about the natural cycle and your own part in it.
Where and when?
Mads and Thomas are excited. And is ready with a great experience for you.
Place: Gamborg Fjord
Time: 6., 7. og 8. may 9–12 og 13–16
Team size: Max 10 guests. Always 2 instructors/guides.
Get a personal diploma for your efforts!