The National Lobster Hatchery - Marine Conservation Project Promoting Sustainability In Aquaculture
Last updated 22/09/2009 10:29:15
After observing a decline in lobster stocks around the coast of Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly in the 80s and 90s and following a stock collapse in Norway, the Chief Fishery Officer for the region (Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly), Mr. Edwin Derriman, promoted the idea of opening the hatchery as part of an integrated approach to shell fish management within the coastal waters of Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly.
Since opening in 2000 we have released over 50,000 juvenile lobsters into the sea around Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly.
By replenishing lobster stocks we hope to ensure a future for both The European lobster and the local fishing community which relies heavily on lobster catches.
Our work is based upon research carried out in Norway and the UK over several decades. This research indicated that somewhere between 30% and 80% of juvenile lobsters released will survive to market size in approximately five years time and can form a major contribution to landings. As our animals reach maturity they will start to breed and thus make their own contribution to conservation.
The N L H provides a visitor centre for public education to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture whilst at the same time giving our visitor a unique insight into the life of a lobster.