Described at the hatchery’s ‘favourite way to welcome in a new season’, Mr Fewlass blessed the hatchery, the fishery, and all things lobster ahead of the 2026 season.
A short verse was recited and then those gathered sang the Whitby Lobster Hatchery Sea Shanty together, accompanied by a violinist.
The hatchery is run by a small, knowledgeable and dedicated team; who are working to create a sustainable future for the Yorkshire coast and the local Whitby area.
Working closely with the Yorkshire coast fishing industry they aim to eventually release 100,000 juvenile lobsters into the ocean every year.
2025 was the hatchery’s most successful year to date, with more than 20,000 juvenile lobsters released back into the North Sea.
The town continues to rank among the top three lobster ports in Europe, and healthy lobster stocks are essential for sustaining its fishing fleet, local livelihoods and the cultural fabric that surrounds them.
Behind the operation sits North Sea Conservation, the charity driving the hatchery’s vision.
Their flagship project focuses on nurturing lobster larvae through their fragile early stages, when survival rates in the wild are exceptionally low, before releasing them into local waters at a size and strength that gives them a fighting chance.
Over the past year, thousands of visitors have watched baby lobsters grow, and volunteers have devoted countless hours to husbandry, public engagement, and release days.
General manager Joe Redfern said: “Whitby has always been focused around the sea.
"We hope the hatchery is simply the latest chapter in that story and one which will help that story live on for many years to come.”
To find out more, visit https://whitbylobsterhatchery.co.uk/.
13. Whitby Lobster Hatchery Blessing
The hatchery is a fascinating place to visit Photo: Richard Ponter