The Whitby Lobster Hatchery is set to expand thanks to a donation of £95,000 from the Woodsmith Foundation that will allow them to expand their team and cover some of their running costs.
This donation is the next stage of support for the charity that has already received over £50,000 from Anglo American directly.
Lobsters now make up the majority of income for local fishermen, replacing white fish as the main target species. The Hatchery will aim to dramatically increase lobster numbers off the North Yorkshire coast by protecting juveniles during their most vulnerable period, before eventually releasing 100,000 lobsters back into the North Sea, boosting the local fishing trade as a result.
Joe Redfern, owner and founder of the Hatchery, said:
“We believe that this conservation effort, alongside effective management, will protect lobster fishing in Whitby by strengthening local lobster stocks and securing jobs for Whitby’s fishing fleet. We will continue to work towards our conservation aims and bring positive change to our coastline.
“The support we’ve received from both Anglo American and the Woodsmith Foundation has been extremely generous. Without their support the Hatchery simply wouldn't be where it is today. We’re also really excited for the opening of our new Marine Discovery Centre later this year that Anglo American are also supporting us with."
Vicky Bolton, Social Programmes Manager for Anglo American’s Crop Nutrients business, said:
“The Whitby Lobster Hatchery is a great example of what can be achieved when people work together. We are also delighted that the visitor centre will open in the summer to support tourism in the area and drive people to visit the hatchery.
“The potential to support the heritage of the area whilst having a positive impact on tourism fits well with our Thriving Communities programme.”
Woodsmith Foundation Chief Executive Leah Swain added:
“The Whitby Lobster Hatchery will play an important part in safeguarding the economic future of fishermen in Whitby as lobsters provide a large percentage of their income. We believe the Hatchery is a positive project for the town and are delighted to support the team and facility.”
The Woodsmith Foundation is an independent charity funded by Anglo American with the aim of leaving a positive legacy from the Woodsmith Project to the boroughs of Scarborough, Redcar and Cleveland and the North York Moors National Park.
Fish And Ships Fest Hits Whitby
Leader Refutes Claim New North Yorkshire Council is 'Too Remote'
Big Ideas For Scarborough Over Next Two Weeks
Kite Festival Flying High Near Bridlington
Jitterbugs Childcare In Scarborough Celebrates 25th Birthday Today!
Whitby Sculptor Working in the King's Garden
Whitby Museums Work Together for Fish and Ships Festival
Funded Childcare Opens For Nine Month Olds And Above in North Yorkshire
Accessible Orienteering Trail Launches in Scarborough's South Cliff Gardens
East Riding Councillors Back Devolution Plan
Council Seeks Details of Woodsmith Mine Changes
Punctuation Will be Staying on North Yorkshire's Road Signs
Comments
Add a comment