{"id":18782,"date":"2024-05-31T19:17:25","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T19:17:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/?p=18782"},"modified":"2025-09-24T11:42:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T11:42:20","slug":"hatching-hope-how-the-uks-national-lobster-hatchery-is-helping-to-save-wild-lobsters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/2024\/05\/31\/hatching-hope-how-the-uks-national-lobster-hatchery-is-helping-to-save-wild-lobsters\/","title":{"rendered":"Hatching Hope: How the UK\u2019s National Lobster Hatchery is helping to save wild lobsters."},"content":{"rendered":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/stock-photo\/european-lobster-((homarus-gammarus)-juveniles-being-released-from-their\/search\/detail-0_01739458.html\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18812\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-300x193.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-768x494.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-320x206.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-375x241.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-600x386.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-900x579.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739458-165x106.jpg 165w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n<p>Since its inception in 2000, the National Lobster Hatchery (NLH) in Cornwall, UK, has significantly increased the survival rates of the European Lobster by raising hatchlings and releasing them into the ocean to boost wild populations. The hatchery\u2019s collaborative approach, involving researchers, fishermen, and local businesses, showcases the power of community-driven conservation efforts. In this blog, discover how this innovative project is giving the commercially exploited lobster a fighting chance in the wild.<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\">IMAGES &amp; TEXT BY LEWIS JEFFERIES \/ NATUREPL.COM<\/h5>\n<h3><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In the UK, the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) holds the title of the most valuable marine species. Coastal communities depend on it for their livelihoods, yet in almost all lobster populations in the UK, fishing is estimated to be above sustainable levels.\u00a0 Therefore, to support wild stocks, The National Lobster Hatchery (NLH) in Cornwall, UK, opened its doors in 2000. Since its inception\u00a0 the NLH has reared hatchlings through their earliest stages, increasing their chances of survival by up to 1,000 times. The hatchlings are then released into the ocean to boost wild populations. The NLH&#8217;s collaborative approach, involving researchers, fishermen, and local businesses, showcases the power of community-driven conservation efforts. In this blog, discover how this innovative project is giving the commercially exploited lobster a fighting chance in the wild.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus Gammarus) with missing left claw, walking over sandy seabed, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, UK, Atlantic Ocean.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737665-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus Gammarus) with missing left claw, walking over sandy seabed, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, UK, Atlantic Ocean.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Creel lobster pots stacked on harbour wall, St.Ives, Cornwall, UK. December.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739453-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Creel lobster pots stacked on harbour wall, St.Ives, Cornwall, UK. December.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Fisherman on lobster fishing boat with lobster pots, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739423-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Fisherman on lobster fishing boat with lobster pots, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus Gammarus) caught inside creel lobster pot, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK, Atlantic Ocean.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737695-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus Gammarus) caught inside creel lobster pot, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK, Atlantic Ocean.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>A Lifeline for Lobsters<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Dr. Carly Daniels, the head of production, science, and development at NLH, has been with the hatchery since 2004. Her journey began as a volunteer during her Marine Biology degree at Plymouth University. She now leads the hatchery\u2019s latest project, Lobster Grower 2, which tests new techniques to rear hatchlings in natural sea environments.<\/p>\n<p>As she watches mother lobsters\u2019 larvae floating in the Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Carly explains their process: &#8220;We receive female lobsters from local fishermen who call us when they land an egg-bearing female or \u2018berried hen\u2019. We usually take them in at a later incubation stage, ready to hatch their babies.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Eggs on the underside of female European Lobster (Homarus gammarus), National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700020-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Eggs on the underside of female European Lobster (Homarus gammarus), National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739451-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Stage 1 newly hatched planktonic European lobster (Homarus gammarus) portrait, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. October, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739451-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739451-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739451-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739451-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Stage 1 newly hatched planktonic European lobster (Homarus gammarus) portrait, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. October, 2018.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>The Lobster Lifecycle<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Baby lobsters, in their first 2-4 weeks, are planktonic, floating suspended in the water column. They grow through moulting, shedding their shells and increasing in size. The hatchery rears juveniles through their first four stages in recirculating aquaculture systems that mimic wild conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Once they reach their last larval stage, they are transferred to the Aquahive\u00ae systems to prevent cannibalism. \u201cEach Aquahive\u00ae can carry around 4,000 animals, with a capacity of over 24,000 in total,\u201d says Carly. At about three months old, they are ready for release, equipped with instincts to burrow and shelter.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Technician collecting European lobster (Homarus gammarus) hatchlings from the recirculating aquaculture systems ready to transfer to the Aqua Hives, before release in to the wild. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, .\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739430-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Technician collecting European lobster (Homarus gammarus) hatchlings from the recirculating aquaculture systems ready to transfer to the Aqua Hives, before release in to the wild. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, .\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739467-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles in their Aquahive container. Lobsters are separated to stop them from fighting as they are very territorial. St.Michaels Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739467-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739467-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739467-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739467-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles in their Aquahive container. Lobsters are separated to stop them from fighting as they are very territorial. St.Michaels Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739450-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Stage 3, early benthic phase European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juvenile, ready for release into the wild, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. October, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739450-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739450-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739450-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739450-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Stage 3, early benthic phase European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juvenile, ready for release into the wild, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. October, 2018.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739449-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles in their Aquahive container. Losbsters are separated to stop them from fighting as they are very territorial. St.Michaels Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. October, 2018.European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles in their Aquahive container. Losbsters are separated to stop them from fighting as they are very territorial. St.Michaels Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. October, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739449-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739449-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739449-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles in their Aquahive container. Losbsters are separated to stop them from fighting as they are very territorial. St.Michaels Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. October, 2018.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>Release and Sustainability<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Currently, lobsters are released in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly using dive releases and offshore methods. Dive release involves volunteer divers releasing small numbers on suitable reefs, while offshore release allows fishermen to release larger numbers using a lobster floom.<\/p>\n<p>The human population has reached unsustainable numbers. Consequently, there is ever increasing pressure on wild caught fisheries and aquaculture to provide suitable and sustainable protein sources. Lobster demand is rising, and other populations in Scandinavia and the Mediterranean have collapsed due to overfishing. Therefore, the hatchery\u2019s work is crucial to prevent UK stocks from suffering the same fate. By involving local fishermen and restaurants, the NLH fosters a sustainable and productive fishery.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Woman in boat passing down European lobster (Homarus gammarus) hatchlings to the dive team for release into the ocean, National Maritime Meuseum, Falmouth. Cornwall, UK. July, 2023. EDITORIAL USE ONLY.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739466-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Woman in boat passing down European lobster (Homarus gammarus) hatchlings to the dive team for release into the ocean, National Maritime Meuseum, Falmouth. Cornwall, UK. July, 2023. EDITORIAL USE ONLY.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739464-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"members of the volunteer dive release team at The National Maritime Museum preparing to release European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles into the sea, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023. EDITORIAL USE ONLY.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739464-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739464-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739464-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739464-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"members of the volunteer dive release team at The National Maritime Museum preparing to release European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles into the sea, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023. EDITORIAL USE ONLY.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles, being poured from a jug into the lobster flume. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739427-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles, being poured from a jug into the lobster flume. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Group of people on boat taking part in the release of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles into the sea, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739426-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Group of people on boat taking part in the release of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles into the sea, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>Fishing and V-Notching<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>When an egg bearing female is landed the fisherman will phone the hatchery who sends a technician out to collect it. Around 50% of the local lobster fishers in Falmouth bay implement their own conservation measures to help save wild lobster stocks. Using a method called \u2018v-notching\u2019 they cut a notch in to the tail of an egg bearing female or \u2018berried hen\u2019 which then means it is illegal for other fishers to land and sell this female until the notch grows out. It is illegal to land and sell a berried hen in the UK anyway, but some unlawful fishers have been known to scrape the eggs off. The notch helps against these crimes.<\/p>\n<p>Studies show V-notching does not harm lobsters. This method, originating in the Gulf of Maine, has been legally enforced in Britain since 2000.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-scrollingstrip'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Lobster fisherman on fishing boat hauling up string of lobster pots, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739434-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Lobster fisherman on fishing boat hauling up string of lobster pots, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739434<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Fisherman on boat holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) egg bearing female, before returning it to the wild, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739443-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Fisherman on boat holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) egg bearing female, before returning it to the wild, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739443<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon portrait'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739439.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Lobster fisherman holding out an egg bearing, female European lobster (Homarus gammarus) that he has just v-notched before returning it to the wild, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739439.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739439-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739439-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739439-320x480.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739439-375x562.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739439-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739439-71x106.jpg 71w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Lobster fisherman holding out an egg bearing, female European lobster (Homarus gammarus) that he has just v-notched before returning it to the wild, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739439<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon portrait'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"805\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Fisherman on boat holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) egg bearing female, that has been v-notched, before returning it to the wild, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442.jpg 805w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442-118x150.jpg 118w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442-300x382.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442-768x977.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442-320x407.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442-375x477.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442-600x763.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739442-83x106.jpg 83w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Fisherman on boat holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) egg bearing female, that has been v-notched, before returning it to the wild, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739442<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Lobster fisherman carrying out the V-Notching conservation technique on female European lobster (Homarus gammarus), a self governing technique that some fishermen use to prevent egg bearing female lobsters being landed, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739440-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Lobster fisherman carrying out the V-Notching conservation technique on female European lobster (Homarus gammarus), a self governing technique that some fishermen use to prevent egg bearing female lobsters being landed, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739440<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Lobster fisherman carrying out the V-Notching conservation technique on female European lobster (Homarus gammarus), a self governing technique that some fishermen use to prevent egg bearing female lobsters being landed, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739438-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Lobster fisherman carrying out the V-Notching conservation technique on female European lobster (Homarus gammarus), a self governing technique that some fishermen use to prevent egg bearing female lobsters being landed, Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739438<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>Head Standing Hens<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Chris Weston, a hatchery technician, shows a berried hen with eggs around her pleopods (feathery parts underneath the abdomen). A single female can carry 2,000 to 45,000 eggs, but only 1 in 5,000 of those survives in the wild. \u201cWhen the hen is ready, she will do a headstand to release the eggs,\u201d says Carly. \u201cThey then naturally float to the surface. In the wild this usually happens at night for safety, so predators can\u2019t see the larvae.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the hatchery, eggs are collected and transferred to the larval system to begin their first moult.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe keep hens in cold water pools to extend the natural hatching season,\u201d Carly explains. This process allows the hatchery to bring eggs on when ready, typically between March and October. Cooling the female slows egg development, increasing the hatchery\u2019s capacity to hold hens at different incubation stages.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-scrollingstrip'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon portrait'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"758\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739448.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Hatchery technician holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) berried hen showing her eggs, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739448.jpg 758w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739448-111x150.jpg 111w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739448-300x405.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739448-320x432.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739448-375x507.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739448-600x811.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739448-78x106.jpg 78w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Hatchery technician holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) berried hen showing her eggs,  National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739448<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Technician taking egg samples from female European lobster (Homarus gammarus) for DNA analysis, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739431-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Technician taking egg samples from female European lobster (Homarus gammarus) for DNA analysis, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739431<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) eggs, freshly sampled from a female lobster, inside a test tube where they will be stored and tested for DNA,.National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739461-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) eggs, freshly sampled from a female lobster, inside a test tube where they will be stored and tested for DNA,.National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739461<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon portrait'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"740\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739473.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) female, egg detail, nearly ready to hatch. A single female can carry anywhere from 2,000 to 45,000 eggs dependent on her size, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739473.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739473-108x150.jpg 108w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739473-300x415.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739473-320x443.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739473-375x519.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739473-600x830.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739473-77x106.jpg 77w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) female, egg detail, nearly ready to hatch. A single female can carry anywhere from 2,000 to 45,000 eggs dependent on her size, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739473<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"919\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469.jpg\" class=\"attachment-gallery-strip-thumb size-gallery-strip-thumb\" alt=\"Stage 2, planktonic European lobster (Homarus gammarus) hatchling, next to a 1p piece for scale. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469-150x135.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469-300x269.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469-768x689.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469-320x287.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469-375x337.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469-600x538.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469-900x808.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739469-118x106.jpg 118w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Stage 2, planktonic European lobster (Homarus gammarus) hatchling, next to a 1p piece for scale. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" \/><\/div><div class=\"gallery-overview-caption\"><strong>naturepl_01739469<\/strong> by Lewis Jefferies<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>Ancient Arthropods<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Lobsters have a long history, dating back to the Jurassic period. They can live up to 100 years in the wild. The largest European Lobster, caught in Fowey in 1931, weighed 9.3kg and measured 50 inches. Lobsters are easily recognizable with their dark blue armour, large claws, and long red antennae. They are either left or right clawed, using one claw for crushing and the other for slicing. Male lobsters are competitive and fight for mates.<\/p>\n<p>The mating process is complex, in which the female must shed her shell before mating. She has a long incubation period lasting for around 9 months. They are caring mothers and will continuously fan fresh water over their eggs to provide a fresh stream of water and oxygen.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) close up portrait showing eyes and antennae, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. June.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739457-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) close up portrait showing eyes and antennae, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. June.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus Gammarus) resting among rocks, showing regrowth of missing left claw, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, UK, Atlantic Ocean.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01737663-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus Gammarus) resting among rocks, showing regrowth of missing left claw, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, UK, Atlantic Ocean.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>Lobster Grower 2 Project<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Lobster Grower 2 project (LG2) ran for three years, concluding in 2019. It aimed to rear lobsters to larger sizes in containerized systems at sea. These containers, installed next to mussel lines, allowed lobsters to feed on natural food sources and supported the surrounding marine environment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe hope of rearing lobsters in protected environments out at sea is that this will act as a transition step between the hatchery and release into the wild, providing them with ecological conditioning that will improve their chance of survival post release.\u201d Says Carly. If implemented on a permanent, long-term basis, this could ultimately provide better results for the fishing sector and could also benefit the marine environment in the process.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-8' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juvenile, aged 1 year, in the palm of a hand, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739462-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juvenile, aged 1 year, in the palm of a hand, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Juvenile European lobster (Homarus gammarus) on black background, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-375x249.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-900x598.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01700019-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Juvenile European lobster (Homarus gammarus) on black background, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Technician holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) berried hen, that has recently been transferred to the hatchery by a fisherman, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023. Model released.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739429-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Technician holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) berried hen, that has recently been transferred to the hatchery by a fisherman, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023. Model released.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>Post Release Tracking<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>At the moment it is difficult for the hatchery to monitor success rates as it is nearly impossible to track one of their lobsters once released &#8211; at only an inch in length physical tagging is not an option. \u201cWe have a lot of anecdotal evidence from fishermen in areas where they have done releases with the NLH,\u201d says Carly. \u201cThey have reported many more lobsters of the size you would expect given the length of time they have had to grow post release, and they are not seeing such an increase in numbers in other areas.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the future, growing on the lobsters would allow for physical tagging before release. In addition, the NLH is developing DNA sampling methods with the University of Exeter. By taking DNA samples from egg-bearing females, the hatchery hopes to analyse and identify hatchery-reared lobsters in the wild, 5-7 years after release. Consequently, this method could provide vital evidence of the NLH\u2019s success and inform future release practices.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-9' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739471-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Technician holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) berried hen, with claws taped, recently transferred to the hatchery, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739471-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739471-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739471-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739471-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739471-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739471-157x106.jpg 157w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Technician holding European lobster (Homarus gammarus) berried hen, with claws taped, recently transferred to the hatchery, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Fisherman measuring European lobster (Homarus gammarus) with a gauge to check legal landing size. This one is undersize and will be returned to the sea, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739436-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Fisherman measuring European lobster (Homarus gammarus) with a gauge to check legal landing size. This one is undersize and will be returned to the sea, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. March, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Pleopod sample from a female European lobster (Homarus gammarus) inside test tube, this will be used to try to determine DNA. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739460-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Pleopod sample from a female European lobster (Homarus gammarus) inside test tube, this will be used to try to determine DNA. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Pleopod sample from a female European lobster (Homarus gammarus) being transfered to a test tube for DNA analysis, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739459-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Pleopod sample from a female European lobster (Homarus gammarus) being transfered to a test tube for DNA analysis, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. July, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>What Can You Do to Help?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The NLH\u2019s \u201cBuy One, Set One Free\u201d scheme works with restaurants, wholesalers, and retailers to donate a portion of lobster sales to the hatchery. Customers can support the release of baby lobsters through small donations. Additionally, buying certified sustainable seafood supports conservation efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Another way to support the charity\u2019s work is by visiting their main hatchery at Padstow harbour in Cornwall. With interactive displays and activities, it\u2019s an educational experience for all ages. You can also become a friend of the hatchery through monthly donations or adopt a lobster (even a whole family of them!) to fund the breeding and release program.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-10' class='gallery gallery-18782 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739420-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Family watching preparations for the the release of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles into the sea, St. Michael&#039;s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall, UK. June, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739420-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739420-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739420-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739420-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Family watching preparations for the the release of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles into the sea, St. Michael&#039;s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall, UK. June, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles, in their Aquahive containers, before release into the sea. Lobsters are separated like this to stop them from fighting. St.Michael&amp;apos;s Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. June, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739424-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"European lobster (Homarus gammarus) juveniles, in their Aquahive containers, before release into the sea. Lobsters are separated like this to stop them from fighting. St.Michael&amp;apos;s Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. June, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739422-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Members of the public watching European lobster (Homarus gammarus) release, St. Michael&#039;s Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. June, 2023.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739422-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739422-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739422-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Members of the public watching European lobster (Homarus gammarus) release, St. Michael&#039;s Mount, Marizion, Cornwall, UK. June, 2023.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Stage 3, early benthic phase European lobster (Homarus gammarus) hatchling, ready to be released in to the wild, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-320x212.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/naturepl_01739468-160x106.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Stage 3, early benthic phase European lobster (Homarus gammarus) hatchling, ready to be released in to the wild, National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, UK. November, 2018.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The work of The National Lobster Hatchery continues to grow and become more successful every year. In addition to their newer hatchery in Newlyn harbour &#8211; established in 2017 &#8211; they hope to extend to more satellite hatcheries and partner with more organisations, to continue their conservation and research projects, and raise awareness of sustainability in our oceans. In addition, the lobster grower 2 project results were promising and could lead to fully cultivated lobsters appearing on UK menus in years to come. Supporting the hatchery helps ensure a sustainable future for our oceans and marine life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since its inception in 2000, the National Lobster Hatchery (NLH) in Cornwall, UK, has significantly increased the survival rates of the European Lobster by raising hatchlings and releasing them into the ocean to boost wild populations. The hatchery\u2019s collaborative approach, involving researchers, fishermen, and local businesses, showcases the power of community-driven conservation efforts. In this&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/2024\/05\/31\/hatching-hope-how-the-uks-national-lobster-hatchery-is-helping-to-save-wild-lobsters\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"button\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stories","category-conservation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18782"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18782"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19387,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18782\/revisions\/19387"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}