New lobster hatchery in Whitby aims to protect fleet for generations to come

An ambitious new scheme to create a lobster hatchery in Whitby aims to protect the town's lobster fleet for generations to come.
Design of the lobster hatchery, as would be seen from Pier Road.Design of the lobster hatchery, as would be seen from Pier Road.
Design of the lobster hatchery, as would be seen from Pier Road.

And the team behind the exciting new attraction is calling on the public to help support the project which will safeguard Whitby's lobster market - the third largest in the UK.

The Whitby Lobster Hatchery is the product of Terry Pearson and Joe Redfern. Terry holds the lease on the disused section of Whitby’s historic fish market and had the idea to regenerate the old building and protect Whitby’s lobster fishing fleet for generations to come.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Regenerating the now unused fish auction shed opposite The Quayside on Pier Road, Terry and Joe want to offer something back to Whitby’s fishing fleet, local economy, and visitors.

How the hatchery would be seen from the harbour.How the hatchery would be seen from the harbour.
How the hatchery would be seen from the harbour.

The core of the project is focused on conservation of lobster populations and protection of Whitby’s fishing livelihoods.

Terry and Joe said: "Whitby is the third largest lobster market in the UK.

"By opening a lobster hatchery, the aim is to release 100,000 juvenile lobster to the sea.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Rearing the microscopic larvae in a hatchery dramatically increases survival rate and boosts populations.

"In turn, lobster populations are protected for future generations and the fishing industry benefits from an increased catch day by day.

"Alongside the valuable conservation work we are aiming to provide an interactive, educational, and inspiring Marine Discovery Centre.

"Whitby’s newest attraction will display the amazing work of the lobster hatchery, giving visitors a chance to learn about the life of lobsters while also interacting with local native marine animals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We aim to work with national and international research institutes to provide world class research on this valuable species, inviting students, interns, and school groups into our hatchery to provide opportunities for young people.

"This is creating jobs for local people and building a sustainable local economy in Whitby.

"The regeneration of the currently run-down section of the fish market will spark new life into Whitby’s busy Pier Road."

The design of the hatchery takes inspiration from local fishing cobles - but now they are calling for help from from people and businesses.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A crowdfunding page has been launched, offering people the chance to become part of the project and to help provide funding to progress the project to the next level.

Find out more on their Facebook page.

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you,

Jean MacQuarrie, Editor-in-Chief

Related topics: