Jenny Longden, from the RSPCA, said public opinion and lack of awareness towards the feelings of the animals was “astounding”.
She said: “We understand people like to go out and enjoy these past times. We don’t want to be party-poopers, but does that necessarily have to happen?
“Do we need to take these animals out of their environment, put them in a bucket, possibly prod them, poke them?
“We don’t know what they’re going through. We can enjoy these animals in other ways.”
Mevagissey Harbour Master Andrew Trevarton said crabbing was an “integral part” of the village’s heritage.
“It’s a very special part of people’s holiday that, when they return as they grow up, they bring their children, and it’s been going on decades and decades.”