The hermit crab housing shortage of empty shells is forcing some crabs to use marine waste, as documented by Okinawa-based photographer Shawn M. Miller. Miller started documenting Blueberry hermit crabs that he and his friends found. The project often shows the crabs with recognizable local landmarks behind them.
Says Miller:
It's becoming more common to find crabs with beach trash homes. I have friends combing local beaches in search of more crabs for my series. While these are cute images, our trash is becoming a serious problem to the ocean and the animals that call the shoreline home. I often find hermit crabs using a variety of plastic caps from twist top pet bottles, laundry detergent containers, small propane tanks, sports water bottles and beauty supplies.
This little guy living in a toothpaste cap shows that the problem is global.
• Crabs With Beach Trash Homes – Okinawa, Japan (via PetaPixel)