Whitby hatchery releases hundreds of young lobsters into sea at Redcar

Baby lobsters were released into the sea at Redcar by the hatchery for the first time

More than 800 young lobsters have been released into the North Sea as part of a scheme to boost the population.

They were raised from eggs by the Whitby Lobster Hatchery which aims to rear 100,000 juveniles every year.

The lobsters were released at Redcar for the first time and the hatchery said it aims to "ensure the populations are protected into the future".

Fishing vessel skipper James Race said it was a "significant step forward" for the sustainability of the industry.

It follows the deaths of tens of thousands of crabs and lobsters on the North East coast since October 2021.

The baby lobsters are being reared in Whitby to boost the population in the North Sea

Mr Race, who helped ensure the 822 juvenile lobsters were safely released, said he was "really happy" to be involved in the project.

"To think it's usually take take take from our ocean, it's a great feeling to be putting something back," he said.

The hatchery has reared baby lobsters at its location in Whitby fish market and has already released more than 8,000 back into the area surrounding Whitby Harbour.

Joe Redfern, manager of Whitby Lobster Hatchery, said the latest release in Redcar was a "testament to our commitment to the preservation of these iconic creatures and the restoration of their populations in the North Sea".

"Moving forwards we will release juvenile lobster all along our coastline, so this release in Redcar shows our intention for years to come."

More than 800 juvenile lobsters were released into the sea