Lobster Release at our Tidal Zone

To mark its 25^th Anniversary, The National Lobster Hatchery embarked on an ambitious Releaseathon, making 25 juvenile lobster releases in 25 locations over 25 consecutive days. We were delighted to be chosen as the location for release day three.

Divers from the Hatchery travelled by boat to our Tidal Zone where year one children from Bosvigo School in Truro eagerly awaited the release of hundreds of baby lobsters.

The divers appeared through the Tidal Zone’s underwater windows and waved to the excited children. They opened three large aqua hive trays each, containing the stage 4/5 lobsters. The tiny lobsters promptly swam off and found hiding places in the seabed below.

The National Lobster Hatchery raises and releases the European lobster species at its hatchery in Padstow. The European lobster is the UK’s most valuable commercial marine species. Protecting hatchlings in their early stages by rearing them out of the ocean can increase their chances of survival by up to 1,000 times.

Nicola O’Donnell, COO at The National Lobster Hatchery explains: “We work with the fishing industry to ensure that this economically and environmentally valuable species is protected. When baby lobsters are born they are extremely vulnerable to predators. By nurturing youngsters at the hatchery before releasing them at stage four or five, we ensure they have a much increased chance of survival.”

This is the second time young lobsters have been released by the hatchery at National Maritime Museum Cornwall; in 2023, thousands were released across two dives.

Beth Nicholls, Cross Arts Programming Officer here at National Maritime Museum Cornwall said: “I’m delighted The National Lobster Hatchery once again chose the museum for a release. Our Tidal Zone was the perfect viewing point for excited Bosvigo students. I’m sure this experience – and hopefully some of the fun facts learned, will stay with them for a long time and reinforce that important connection with our precious ocean.” Thanks go to A&P Port Operations, Falmouth Harbour and Scuba Ry Divers for help and support.

Watch the release coverage on ITV Westcountry here.

Photographs: Ian Kingsnorth