“These upgrades to our life support systems are really important”, adds research technician Jacob Scolding.  “We have been examining the use of ozone in lobster culture this summer as part of a large European project and this gives us the opportunity to install appropriate systems that will allow us to improve our rearing systems and use the protocols that we have been developing throughout the hatchery.  The use of ozone creates improved water quality and appears to significantly aid survival”.

 

The lobster hatchery represents an approach to conservation that helps to balance the needs of the fishery with the needs of nature.  Involving the stakeholders in conservation work is the most important part of any conservation work and many projects fail, simply because they do not do this effectively.  The National lobster Hatchery wants to encourage further participation from large retail organisations, the fishing community and wholesalers and is keen to get further support from these stakeholders.

 

National Lobster Hatchery featured on BBC's Coast Programme

 

The donation highlights Waitrose’s commitment to supporting sustainable fisheries and fishing practices that has enabled them to remain one of the UK’s leading seafood retailers.  As part of its responsible sourcing scheme Waitrose consults with non governmental organisations and conservation groups such as Greenpeace, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

 

 

For a fish to be termed sustainable by Waitrose, it must be a species not commonly regarded as endangered or over-fished, come from a well-managed fishery with scientifically based quotas, be caught using selective fishing methods that minimise damage to the environment, and be fully traceable from catch to consumer.

 

 

The National Lobster Hatchery can be found on the docks of the picturesque Cornish fishing village of Padstow. Their aim is to help maintain a healthy lobster population in Cornwall, England through conservation, education and research, supported by a fun visitor centre and the donations of  sponsors.

 

The National Lobster Hatchery promotes the concept of sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture improving the long term productivity of the lobster fishery through an active stock enhancement

 

 

Waitrose is the food division of the British retailer and worker co-operative the John Lewis Partnership. As of January 2010, there were 225 branches across the United Kingdom. The company differentiates itself from competitors by offering high quality food and emphasising customer service.

 

Waitrose donates a proportion of its profits to a group of charities on a proportional basis, whilst individual Waitrose branches manage their own charitable donations and local decisions are made on which charities are to be supported. This is a system called 'Community Matters', where customers are invited to choose who they want money to be donated to.