Aquascot Aids Lobster Production
The
Lobster Hatchery in Orkney, set up in 1995 and run by the Orkney Fisheries
Association, has been a leader in the production of lobster juveniles in
Europe from its inception.
Originally set up as a pilot project, and run very much on a shoe-string
basis, the hatchery has since put more than 110,000 tagged juveniles to sea.
It was initially run in conjunction with a project that monitored the
movement and catch figures of tagged lobsters, which showed the hatchery to
be highly successful in increasing the local lobster population.
Aquascot, which operates a specialist cod, halibut and haddock hatchery in
Orkney, has marine cage sites near the lobster release area on the island of
Hoy. "We became interested in the lobster project because we
operate in the same waters and wanted to develop a partnership between
ourselves and local fishermen," said Regional Manager Robert Locker.
In addition to funding equipment for the hatchery,
Aquascot has also become involved in the search for better feed for the
young lobsters. Through its sister company, specialist feed producer
EWOS, the company is investigating the optimum feed composition, size
and texture for each stage of growth in the hatchery.
Further information on the Lobster Hatchery can be
obtained from Dennis Gowland on 1856 741267 or dennis@researchrelay.com.
Robert Locker of Aquascot can be reached on 01856 876101.
(From Aquaculture Info List, e-mail: dave.conley@sympatico.ca)