Why Anstruther?

Anstruther isn’t just any coastal town – it’s a cornerstone of Fife’s fishing heritage placing the hatchery in the harbour taps into that legacy. Locals and visitors alike can pop by, learn something new, and support a project that directly benefits the environment and economy.

Thanks to its close ties to fishing, its constant supply of seawater, also its central role in the local community not just Anstruther but the whole of the East Neuk, Anstruther harbour is the perfect place for a lobster hatchery.

Plans for production container – where is this Shaun?

 Our plan is to use two repurposed shipping containers: a big 40-footer for growing baby lobsters, and a smaller 20-footer designed to welcome visitors and who can learn about lobsters & marine conservation.  

Plans for education container – where is this Shaun?

 Why shipping containers? They’re low-impact, easy to set up and move. Plus, they fit in nicely with the harbour’s working character. These units will be in place from April to October (prime lobster season and peak tourist time!) and then taken away for the winter to keep them safe from rough weather.

Smart, Simple, and Sustainable Design

The hatchery’s design keeps things simple and eco-friendly. By reusing containers, we are building something that can be easily moved or adapted in the future. Inside the production container, you’ll find all the gear needed to raise young lobsters. In the education container, there’ll be interactive displays, talks, and hands-on learning for curious minds of all ages.

Anstruther Harbour – the perfect place for a lobster hatchery?

Why It Matters

Lobsters are a vital part of the East Neuk’s fishing industry and a key species in our coastal ecosystem. But they’re also under pressure from overfishing and changing environmental conditions. The hatchery aims to give nature a helping hand by boosting local lobster numbers and easing the strain on wild stocks.

This means a more balanced marine environment, more sustainable fishing practices, and a more secure future for the local industry. It’s about supporting the sea, the economy, and our way of life – all at once.

Plus, the hatchery is about sharing the story. Through public engagement and educational programs, it’s raising awareness about sustainable fishing and marine conservation. It’s not just about growing lobsters – it’s about growing a community that cares.

Several factors that influence the Location of a Lobster Hatchery

Accessibility and proximity to key utilities such as fresh water & power.

 Access to clean salt water & the ability to discharge seawater.

Access to female lobsters (berried hens)

East Neuk Lobster Hatchery – Proposed Location. 

The proposed site on the West pier in Anstruther is highly suitable from an operational perspective. The pier already has access to mains power and freshwater, which should be straightforward for East Neuk Lobster Hatchery to extend to the planned container location. Additionally, the site offers reliable access to clean seawater just beyond the harbour wall. 

We hope to install a submersible pump that can be lowered over the wall when seawater is required. However, due to tidal variability, on-site storage of seawater will be required also reducing the need for daily extraction of seawater. 

For water discharge, the location is equally practical. A fixed or retractable hose running down the harbour wall should be sufficient for returning water to the sea safely and efficiently. 

Crucially, this location also enables direct collection of berried hens from incoming fishing vessels. As it is essential to minimise the time hens are out of the water, this proximity will support best practice in animal welfare and hatchery success.

From a public engagement standpoint, the pier benefits from high foot traffic during the summer season. With appropriate signage along the seafront and active digital promotion, the hatchery should attract significant visitor interest. However, the exposed nature of the location means footfall may drop during poor weather. Therefore, when hosting educational visits, we would like to ensure that our indoor space can comfortably accommodate full groups in the event of adverse weather conditions. 

The fact that the hatchery would be based in Anstruther, a well-loved tourist town in the East Neuk of Fife, significantly strengthens its potential as a visitor attraction. Anstruther regularly draws large numbers of visitors, many of whom are seeking interactive, family-friendly, and educational experiences. Located near the Scottish Fisheries Museum and popular harbourside eateries, the hatchery would be well placed to tap into this existing tourist flow.