Cancer Pagurus Research Articles

Feeding, agonistic and cooperative behavioural responses of shallow-water benthic marine scavengers

ABSTRACT Baited remote underwater video station (BRUVS) investigations of benthic scavenging by fish and invertebrates were conducted in an Irish sea lough. Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) baits were deployed under natural light during the day and under dim red light at night. Ethograms for feeding mechanisms and agonistic behaviours were established for four abundant scavengers (two crabs: the harbour crab Liocarcinus depurator, and the European green crab Carcinus maenas; two fish: the shanny Lipophrys pholis, and the small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula). Crabs’ feeding mechanisms were similar, with differences reflecting their morphologies. Feeding bouts lasted minutes/tens of minutes. Intraspecific agonistic responses were mild and did not result in mutilation or mortality. Feeding mechanisms on macerated baits focussed on ‘chewing’ (combined use of chelipeds and mouthparts to feed continuously); agonistic behaviour was reduced, especially at night when balls of crabs showed ‘cooperative feeding’. Fish feeding bouts lasted for a few seconds in all cases. Shannies showed anticipatory agonistic behaviour (bait ‘guarding’ and ‘patrolling’ by large shannies) before bait maceration. Catsharks exhibited no intraspecific agonistic behaviour but removed large bait morsels by ‘biting’, ‘chewing’ and ‘spinning’. The common prawns Palaemon serratus only scavenged at night and were invisible to other scavengers; they showed no agonistic behaviours. Kleptoparasitism amongst the scavenger guild was common but intra-community predation was extremely rare. Phoretic feeding on bait scraps by red-speckled anemones (Anthopleura ballii) attached to the carapaces of the edible crab Cancer pagurus was observed.

Comparing the Size at Onset of Sexual Maturity of Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus, Cancridae) in Berwickshire and Northumberland

The literature suggests regional variations in the size at which sexual maturity is reached for commercially important edible crab (Cancer pagurus), worth GBP 74.3 million annually, which could have implications for regional fisheries management. Berwickshire and Northumberland are geographically divided by the Scotland and England border and remain within the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC (Special Area of Conservation). Each are managed by differing fisheries authorities and Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS). Morphometric measurements were recorded for each C. pagurus individual to categorise morphometric maturity using segmented regression, with gonadal maturity categorised using visual gonad characteristics and general linear model regressions to compare onset in sexual maturity. Results showed regional variations for gonadal maturity with males reaching sexual onset at a carapace width size of 108.5 mm in Berwickshire and 109.9 mm in Northumberland; females at a size of 126.8 mm in Berwickshire and 120.8 mm in Northumberland. This was also true for morphometric maturity based on chelae height, that males (141.1 mm) and females (134.7 mm) from Berwickshire were morphometrically mature at greater sizes than males (130.1 mm) and females (120.8 mm) from Northumberland. This study shows that the respective MCRS in both regions are appropriate for the C. pagurus populations, but implications for fisheries management could be present.

Bridging the Gap Between Experience-Based Knowledge and the Scientific Knowledge

The context for this study was to document fishers’ experience-based knowledge is reliable and can be included in citizen science as supplementary information to scientific research. Fishers’ experience-based knowledge contributes to important understanding of the environment and the marine ecosystem. Hence, fishers’ knowledge over time is not always regarded as supplementary knowledge. There is a lack of information on how fishers have acquired reliable knowledge when they have not had formal scientific education and in what way fishers’ knowledge can be used as empirical data. In this study, a survey was conducted by scientific educator within the fishing community of Mausund in Norway. The survey was limited to specifically targeting fishers' knowledge of the migration pattern of the edible crab (Cancer pagurus) in Sulfjorden, Mausund and Frohavet. This study performs in-depth interviews with five fishers at Mausund. The experience-based knowledge acquired by these fishers is first and foremost learnt through intergenerational learning from fathers, grandfathers, and uncles to sons. The study supports existing research on fishers’ experience-based knowledge, which is professional and very precise. Experience-based and local knowledge can be understood as a knowledge contribution of value to the research field of environment monitoring.

Carapace width and length to weight relationship of edible crabs from the coastal waters of Alappuzha, Kerala

Carapace width and length to weight relationship of edible crabs from the coastal waters of Alappuzha, Kerala

Investigating clove oil and its derivatives as anaesthetic agents for decapod crustaceans to improve welfare commercially and at slaughter

Decapods have been recently classified as sentient beings in UK policy and therefore the establishment of humane methods for the live transportation and slaughter of commercially valuable shellfish as well as for decapods used in research is critical. Formerly overlooked, the use of anaesthetics provides a promising avenue for improving welfare standards for husbandry and slaughter for decapod crustaceans destined for human consumption or research. In particular, clove oil and its derivatives (eugenol and isoeugenol) have been trialled and recommended in literature as naturally-derived and effective, reversible anaesthetic compounds for a variety of decapods, including two commercially important British shellfish, brown crab (Cancer pagurus) and Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). Further investigations should be undertaken to confirm the use of such anaesthetics is suitable for improving welfare standards in the British shellfish sector and in research to ensure that when the legislation changes, humane solutions are present.

Untargeted Lipidomics Method for the Discrimination of Five Crab Species by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Combined with Chemometrics.

In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution accurate mass-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRAM/MS) was applied to characterize the lipid profiles of five crab species. A total of 203 lipid molecular species in muscle tissue and 176 in edible viscera were quantified. The results indicate that Cancer pagurus contained high levels of lipids with a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapntemacnioc acid (EPA) structure in the muscle tissue and edible viscera. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) showed that PE 16:0/22:6, PE P-18:0/20:5, PA 16:0/22:6 and PC 16:0/16:1 could be used as potential biomarkers to discriminate the five kinds of crabs. In addition, some lipids, such as PE 18:0/20:5, PC 16:0/16:1, PE P-18:0/22:6 and SM 12:1;2O/20:0, could be used as characteristic molecules to distinguish between Cancer magister and Cancer pagurus, which are similar in appearance. This study provides a new perspective on discriminating crab species from MS-based lipidomics.

How does the internal distribution of microplastics in Scylla serrata link with the antioxidant response in functional tissues?

Crabs can live in diverse lifestyles in both water and benthic environments, which are the basin of microplastics (MPs) inputs. Edible crabs with large consuming quantity, e.g., Scylla serrata were subjected to accumulate MPs in their tissues from surrounding environments and generate biological damages. However, no related research has been conducted. In order to accurately assess the potential risks to both crabs and humans consuming MPs contaminated crabs, S. serrata were exposed to different concentrations (2, 200 and 20,000 μg/L) of polyethylene (PE) microbeads (10–45 μm) for 3 days. The physiological conditions of crabs and a series of biological responses, including DNA damage, antioxidant enzymes activities and their corresponding gene expressions in functional tissues (gills and hepatopancreas) were investigated. PE-MPs accumulated in all tissues of crabs with concentration- and tissue-dependent manner, which was assumed to be via the internal distribution initialized by gills’ respiration, filtration and transportation. Significantly increased DNA damages were observed in both gills and hepatopancreas under exposures, however, the physiological conditions of crabs showed no dramatic alterations. Under low and middle concentration exposures, gills energetically activated the first line of antioxidant defense to against oxidative stress, e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), but lipid peroxidation damage still occurred under high concentration exposure. In comparison, SOD and CAT composed antioxidant defense in hepatopancreas tended to collapse under severe MPs exposure and the defense mechanism attempted to switch to the secondary antioxidant response by compensatively stimulating the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the content of glutathione (GSH). The diverse antioxidant strategies in gills and hepatopancreas were proposed to be closely related to the accumulation capacity of tissues. The results confirmed the relation between PE-MPs exposure and antioxidant defense in S. serrata, and will help to clarify the biological toxicity and corresponding ecological risks.

A Mitosome With Distinct Metabolism in the Uncultured Protist Parasite Paramikrocytos canceri (Rhizaria, Ascetosporea).

Ascetosporea are endoparasites of marine invertebrates that include economically important pathogens of aquaculture species. Owing to their often-minuscule cell sizes, strict intracellular lifestyle, lack of cultured representatives and minimal availability of molecular data, these unicellular parasites remain poorly studied. Here, we sequenced and assembled the genome and transcriptome of Paramikrocytos canceri, an endoparasite isolated from the European edible crab Cancer pagurus. Using bioinformatic predictions, we show that P. canceri likely possesses a mitochondrion-related organelle (MRO) with highly reduced metabolism, resembling the mitosomes of other parasites but with key differences. Like other mitosomes, this MRO is predicted to have reduced metabolic capacity and lack an organellar genome and function in iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) pathway-mediated Fe-S cluster biosynthesis. However, the MRO in P. canceri is uniquely predicted to produce ATP via a partial glycolytic pathway and synthesize phospholipids de novo through the CDP-DAG pathway. Heterologous gene expression confirmed that proteins from the ISC and CDP-DAG pathways retain mitochondrial targeting sequences that are recognized by yeast mitochondria. This represents a unique combination of metabolic pathways in an MRO, including the first reported case of a mitosome-like organelle able to synthesize phospholipids de novo. Some of these phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine, are vital in other protist endoparasites that invade their host through apoptotic mimicry.

The exploitation of crabs by Last Interglacial Iberian Neanderthals: The evidence from Gruta da Figueira Brava (Portugal)

Hominin consumption of small prey has been much discussed over the past decades. Such resources are often considered to be unproductive in the Middle Paleolithic due to their limited meat yield and, hence, low energy return. However, ethnographic studies suggest that small prey—including shellfish—are a reliable, predictable and by no means marginal resource, and there is increasing evidence for their inclusion in hominin diets during the Middle Paleolithic and even earlier. Gruta da Figueira Brava features a MIS 5c-5b Neanderthal occupation that left behind substantial, human-accumulated terrestrial and marine faunal remains, capped by reworked levels that contain some naturally accumulated, recent Holocene material, namely the remains of small crab species and echinoderms. The brown crabCancer pagurus(Linnaeus, 1758) predominates in the intact Middle Paleolithic deposit, and reconstruction of its carapace width, based on regression from claw size, shows a preference for relatively large individuals. The detailed analysis of theCancer pagurusremains reveals that complete animals were brought to the site, where they were roasted on coals and then cracked open to access the flesh.

Extraction of chitin from edible crab shells of Callinectes sapidus and comparison with market purchased chitin.

Chitin and its derived products have immense economic value due to their vital role in various biological activities as well as biomedical and industrial application. Insects, microorganism and crustaceans are the main supply of chitin but the crustaceans shell like shrimp, krill, lobsters and crabs are the main commercial sources. Chitin content of an individual varies depending on the structures possessing the polymer and the species. In this study edible crabs' shells (Callinectes sapidus) were demineralized and deproteinized resulting in 13.8% (dry weight) chitin recovery from chitin wastes. FTIR and XRD analyses of the experimental crude as well as purified chitins revealed that both were much comparable to the commercially purchased controls. The acid pretreatment ceded 54g of colloidal chitin that resulted in 1080% of the crude chitin. The colloidal chitin was exploited for isolation of eighty five chitinolytic bacterial isolates from different sources. Zone of clearance was displayed by the thirty five isolates (41.17%) succeeding their growth at pH 7 on colloidal chitin agar medium. Maximum chitinolytic activity i.e. 301.55 U/ml was exhibited by isolate JF70 when cultivated in extracted chitin containing both carbon and nitrogen. The study showed wastes of blue crabs can be utilized for extraction of chitin and isolation of chitinolytic bacteria that can be used to degrade chitin waste, resolve environmental pollution as well as industrial purpose.

An individual based model of female brown crab movements in the western English channel: modelling migration behaviour

AbstractAn individual based model (IBM) of the female brown crabCancer paguruspopulation exploited off South Devon, UK is described. Size dependent movement rules are ascribed to individuals based on previous observations of predominantly westward migration down the English Channel. Two additional versions of the movement rules explored whether the empirically derived rule was necessary to model the temporal and spatial distribution of crabs. Local crab movement was dependent on substrate type and water depth. Females prefer a soft substrate in which they can bury when temperatures are low or they have eggs to incubate. Crabs have size dependent depth preferences with larger crabs preferring greater depths. Two recruitment functions are used which relate the number of incoming crabs to the sea surface temperature five years earlier. Model outputs were tested against 10 years of logbook data from three crab fishers and against data from a year-long sampling programme on eight of the vessels exploiting the area. The model reproduces the long-term pattern which is mostly temperature driven. Spatial variation in catch is captured effectively by the model with more crabs being caught in the east of the area than the west and more caught offshore than inshore. The significance of the results is discussed in relation to the crab life cycle, management of the fishery and the potential effects of increasing temperatures.

Study on Mineral Composition of Mud Crab Scylla serrata

In the present investigation the macro and microelements composition was studied in commercially important edible crab Scylla serrata. The percentage proportion of various minerals in both the species as follows. Calcium contributes the highest percentage (34.20 mg/100g) than remaining minerals. Sodium values ranged from 23.99 mg/100g to 26.85 mg/100g. Potassium values ranged from 19.39 mg/100g to 29.54 mg/100g. Phosphorus values ranged from 24.99 mg/100g to 25.84 mg/100g. Iron values ranged from 2.44 mg/100g to 3.69 mg/100g. Copper values ranged from 0.61 mg/100g to 0.89 mg/100g. Zinc values ranged from 8.9 mg/100g to 9.2 mg/100g. Out of seven minerals studied in the present study, the highest percentage of Calcium, sodium, potassium, iron and zinc were observed in male crabs, whereas the percentage of phosphorus and copper was highest in female crabs.

Hazard and catch composition of ghost fishing gear revealed by a citizen science clean-up initiative

Ghost fishing, the continued catch of fishes and invertebrates by lost fishing gear, represents an animal welfare issue as well as a waste of both potential food and ecosystem resources. Fishing gear is lost by both commercial and recreational fishers, and management authorities often lack an overview of gear loss and subsequently potential impact on coastal populations. To investigate the hazard and catch composition of lost fishing gear along the Norwegian coast, recreational divers in collaboration with scientists conducted systematic reporting of retrieved lost fishing gear. Through this citizen science project, a total of 12,101 gear items were retrieved and reported, including traps, gillnets and fyke nets. Combining both data on the catch ratio of the gear and its relative quantity, we identified the five most hazardous gear types to be parlor traps, gillnets, fyke nets, wrasse traps and square collapsible traps. The parlour trap was the most hazardous trap, due to high catchability and quantity. The correct classification of gear type could not be confirmed in 2.8 – 6.1% of the pictures taken by divers, depending on reporting format, and divers reported the wrong gear type in 1.4% of the reports. Brown crab (Cancer pagurus) was the species most often found in retrieved gear. Furthermore, the vulnerable species European lobster (Homarus gammarus) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were also common. These results can inform future clean up-initiatives and management responses to ghost fishing, including preventive measures against gear loss and gear restrictions and customization.

Effects of fishery and environmental factors on a novel multispecies pot targeting European lobster (Homarus gammarus), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and edible crab (Cancer pagurus)

Small-scale fisheries along the Swedish west coast are often operated by using small vessels, targeting multiple species by means of pots and gillnets. Fisheries using pots targeting shellfish such as European lobster (Homarus gammarus), and edible crab (Cancer pagurus) along the Swedish west coast have a relatively high economic value. However, gillnet fisheries targeting demersal fish are currently diminishing primarily due to depleted fish stocks and increased seal depredation. Small-scale fisheries are considered sustainable fisheries due to the use of selective gears and low energy consumption. To be able to retain and promote a sustainable small-scale fishery, there is a need to develop an economically viable fishery, where selective, seal-safe and sustainable gear is utilized. One potential way forward could be to develop a pot to be used for multiple target species traditionally caught in pots and gillnets. Since both shellfish and cod (Gadus morhua) can be caught in pots, the objective of this work was to develop a multispecies pot targeting lobster, edible crab and cod. Seven multi-species pots were developed and tested off the west coast of Sweden between 2015 and 2017. The catch rate, defined as catch per pot per day (CPUE) of lobster, edible crab and cod, was evaluated taking into regard fisheries-related variables such as pot type, bait, soak time, seal damage and abundance of species in the pot. The relative CPUE of lobster and cod was highest in larger pots with two chambers and three open entrances. The highest CPUE for lobster was 0.24 individuals per pot and the highest CPUE for cod was 0.17 individuals per pot. Pots with entrances equipped with funnels, preventing cod from escaping, also had a high cod CPUE (0.23 individuals per). The CPUE of crabs was not affected by pot type. For cod, lobster and crab, the CPUE significantly decreased with increasing soak time. Seal damage only occurred when cod were trapped in the pots and the CPUE of cod was higher in pots subjected to seal damage, indicating that seals raid pots specifically when cods are trapped inside.

The Origin of Soft-Shell Crabs

Soft-shell crabs are famous in seafood restaurants because they have a wonderful flavor, are easy to eat, and are highly nutritious! Soft-shell crabs are any regular edible crabs, but in their natural, soft-shell condition—because they have just shed their old shells, in an event called molting. Within a few hours after molting, while they are still in their soft-shell condition, these crabs are harvested and sold as soft-shell crabs. Crabs in the soft-shell condition have higher market value than crabs in the hard-shell condition. By understanding the origin of soft-shell crabs, we can improve the production of these crabs, as well as try to find ethical and sustainable ways to obtain them.

Changes in the Biochemical and Fatty Acids Composition of Different Body Parts of Warty Crab (Eriphia Verrucosa, Forsskål, 1775) Caught from the Southeastern Black Sea and Their Relationship to Seasons and Sex

The study was carried out by taking samples from 10 different stations between the Giresun and Hopa coasts of the Southeastern Black Sea. In this study, the nutritional value of various edible body parts (carapace, right and left claw, and legs) of the warty crab (Eriphia verrucosa, Forsskål, 1775) was evaluated, sex seasonal proximal biochemical and fatty acid composition were compared. The highest content of protein (20.85%) was found in females (left claw) in winter and the highest content of fat (1.11%) in males (legs) in winter. Furthermore, the most dominant fatty acids in the fatty acid composition were Palmitic acid (11.2-13.9%) in SFA, Oleic acid (10.09-15.7%) in MUFA, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 17.5-21.9%) in PUFA. There were no significant differences in SFA and MUFA contents in the fatty acid composition of female and male crab flesh meat samples except for the spring and summer seasons. However, Differences were obtained between the sexes in the n-3 and EPA+DHA fatty acid values in the spring season (p<0.05). In addition, the amount of EPA+DHA in 100g of edible crab meat was varied in 137.7-219.3 mg.

Quantifying use of kelp forest habitat by commercially important crustaceans in the United Kingdom

AbstractKelp forests are regarded as important nursery and foraging habitats for commercially important species of finfish and shellfish despite an absence of fishery-independent data in many regions. Here, we conducted targeted surveys at 12 subtidal reefs, distributed across 9° of latitude in the UK, using three complementary techniques (Underwater Visual Census (UVC), Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) and deployment of prawn pots) to quantify the abundance of crustaceans within kelp forests. Commercially important species were recorded at all sites; Cancer pagurus (brown/edible crab) and Necora puber (velvet swimming crab) were the most abundant and commonly observed, although Maja brachydactyla (spider crab), Homarus gammarus (European lobster) and Palaemon serratus (common prawn) were also recorded. The abundance of some species exhibited pronounced regional variability, with higher abundances of C. pagurus within northern regions and, conversely, higher abundances of M. brachydactyla and P. serratus within southern regions. Each sampling technique yielded similar spatial patterns for the most abundant species but had varying sensitivity to some species. Most individuals observed were juvenile or sub-adults, suggesting kelp forests serve as important nursery grounds for commercially and ecologically important crustaceans. Further monitoring efforts, conducted across greater spatiotemporal scales and in different habitat types, are needed to provide a robust baseline against which to detect changes and to inform management and conservation actions.

The socio-economic impact of Marine Protected Areas in Jersey: A fishers’ perspective

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are advocated as tools to support sustainable fisheries and biodiversity by excluding the most destructive fishing practices. Some MPAs protect the whole-site of habitat mosaics from bottom-towed fishing but most only restrict damaging activities from specific evidenced conservation features. Social and economic factors influence the success of an MPA but the impact of spatial management changes to local fisheries is rarely captured in post MPA designation monitoring. In Jersey, Channel Islands, two offshore MPAs were designated in 2017 that are managed following the whole-site approach. This study provides an insight into the overall economic importance of key fishery species (whelk (Buccinum undatum), brown crab (Cancer pagurus), scallop (Pecten maximus), lobster (Homarus gammarus), and spider crab (Maja brachydactyla) to local fishing fleets and the impact of the MPAs on local, small-scale fishers in Jersey. Total landings (kg and £) in Jersey pre and post MPA designation were calculated from logbook and primary sales data and a structured interview was developed and tested as a research tool to document the impact (positive and negative) of the MPA designation on local fishers. Specific questions were designed to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data relating to the participants (n = 21) fishing activity; support for the MPAs; income and job satisfaction; subjective well-being and current sales strategies. The results demonstrate that one mobile gear vessel respondent was displaced from traditional fishing grounds as a result of the MPA designation. Fishers also reported an increase in static fishing inside the MPAs, post designation. Generally, there are high levels of support for the MPA from static fleet respondents. In the first year since designation there have been no reported changes to catch (kg, £). Mobile gear fishers reported a lower subjective wellbeing and satisfaction with their job and income than static gear fishers, despite greater profits. The major concern reported by the mobile fleet that contributed to their stress levels, was not attributed to the MPA designations but related to conflict with French static net fisheries operating outside of the MPAs. Ongoing support for Jersey’s fishers and securing a sustainable and fulfilling livelihood will require further spatial management of fisheries outside of the MPAs with a possibility of setting gear or effort limits on static fishereis within the MPAs.

Shell Disease Syndrome Is Associated with Reduced and Shifted Epibacterial Diversity on the Carapace of the Crustacean Cancer pagurus.

Cancer pagurus is highly susceptible to shell disease syndrome. However, little is known about concomitant changes in the epibacterial community. We compared the bacterial communities of black spot affected and nonaffected areas of the carapace by amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and 16S rRNA. Within each spot, bacterial communities of affected areas were less diverse compared to communities from nonaffected areas. Communities of different affected spots were, however, more divergent from each other, compared to those of different nonaffected areas. This indicates a reduced and shifted microbial community composition caused by the black spot disease. Different communities found in black spots likely indicate different stages of the disease. In affected areas, Flavobacteriaceae rose to one of the most abundant and active families due to the increase of Aquimarina spp., suggesting a significant role in shell disease syndrome. We isolated 75 bacterial strains from diseased and healthy areas, which are primarily affiliated with Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, reflecting the dominant phyla detected by amplicon sequencing. The ability to degrade chitin was mainly found for Gammaproteobacteria and Aquimarina spp. within the Flavobacteriia, while the ability to use N-acetylglucosamine, the monomer of the polysaccharide chitin, was observed for most isolates, including many Alphaproteobacteria. One-third of the isolates, including most Aquimarina spp., showed antagonistic properties, indicating a high potential for interactions between the bacterial populations. The combination of bacterial community analysis and the physiological properties of the isolates provided insights into a functional complex epibacterial community on the carapace of C. pagurus. IMPORTANCE In recent years, shell disease syndrome has been detected for several ecologically and economically important crustacean species. Large proportions of populations are affected, e.g., >60% of the widely distributed species Cancer pagurus in different North Sea areas. Bacteria play a significant role in the development of different forms of shell disease, all characterized by microbial chitinolytic degradation of the outer shell. By comparing the bacterial communities of healthy and diseased areas of the shell of C. pagurus, we demonstrated that the disease causes a reduced bacterial diversity within affected areas, a phenomenon co-occurring also with many other diseases. Furthermore, the community composition dramatically changed with some taxa rising to high relative abundances and showing increased activity, indicating strong participation in shell disease. Characterization of bacterial isolates obtained from affected and nonaffected spots provided deeper insights into their physiological properties and thus the possible role within the microbiome.

The restoration potential of offshore mussel farming on degraded seabed habitat

AbstractThe United Kingdom's first large‐scale, offshore, long‐line mussel farm deployed its first ropes in 2013 in Lyme Bay, southwest United Kingdom, located in an area of seabed that was heavily degraded due to historic bottom‐towed fishing. It was hypothesised that due to the artificial structures that accumulate mussels and exclude destructive fishing practices, the seabed could be restored. To assess the restoration potential of the farm and its ecosystem interactions over time, a multi‐method, annual monitoring approach was undertaken. Here, we tested the effects of the farm trial stations on the seabed habitat, epifauna and demersal species over 5 years. Responses of % mussel cover, sessile and sedentary, and mobile taxa were measured using three video methods. Within 2 years of infrastructure deployment, mussel clumps and shells were detected below the headlines, increasing the structural complexity of the seabed. After 4 years, there was a significantly greater abundance of mobile taxa compared to the Controls that remained open to trawling. Commercial European lobster and edible crab were almost exclusively recorded within the farm. We discuss whether these findings can be considered a restoration of the seabed and how these data can be used to inform the future management of offshore mariculture globally.