Dive into National Marine Week: A Visit to the National Lobster Hatchery

About this event

@ Celebrate National Marine Week with us as we explore the incredible National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow, Cornwall—a marine conservation, research, and education charity dedicated to safeguarding the future of the European lobster. Why the Hatchery Matters Boosting Lobster SurvivalHatchery-raised lobsters have up to a 1,000× higher survival rate compared to wild counterparts—and with only about 1 in 20,000 wild larvae surviving to adulthood, this support is vital. Supporting Local Fisheries & EconomyThe European lobster is the UK’s most valuable commercial species—worth over £40 million annually—and essential to Cornwall’s fishing communities. A World-Leading Conservation InitiativeIn operation since 2000, the hatchery collaborates with fishermen, scientists, restaurants, and volunteers to replenish Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s lobster stocks. Highlights of the Visit Lobster Maternity WardWitness ‘berried hens’—egg-bearing female lobsters—collected from local fishermen when they’re ready to hatch. You can peek in as technicians care for them until the larvae emerge. Rearing the YoungWatch tiny larvae progress through their planktonic stages before entering trays where cannibalism is prevented, readying them for life on the seabed. Visitor Centre & ExhibitsInteractive displays let you trace a lobster’s journey from egg to adult and learn about the hatchery’s conservation, research, and education efforts.