Berried hens arrive at the hatchery

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Berried hens (female lobsters carrying eggs) are brought to the hatchery by local fishermen.

Larval Collection

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When the eggs hatch, normally at night the female lobster will fan her tail to help them on their way. They flow in to separate tanks ready for collection and onwards to the hatchery.

Hatchery

Purpose built tanks called brood stock tanks containing seawater house the female lobsters, a maternity ward for lobsters these are at the back on the right-hand side. They can be in the tanks for several weeks before they release their eggs.

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After the berried hens (female lobsters) release their eggs, the larvae are placed in seawater tanks where they are constantly kept moving this prevents them from settling and eating each other. They are fed regularly, and the seawater is kept at 20 degrees to accelerate their growth by moulting. The seawater tanks are the white ones on the left-hand side.

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Lobster larvae in seawater tanks

Life in the Hatchery

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After 3 moults the larvae become juveniles. They are moved to multi-tray upwelling system in separate compartments this helps reduce aggression and mortality where they continue to grow and moult.

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A Lobster Cube system designed for growing juvenile lobsters, utilizing a multi-tray upwelling system to optimize growth and feeding

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lobster moult

Freedom

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After 12 weeks when the juveniles are around 2cm long they are ready to be released back into their natural environment.