The educators
Leeds-born Joe Redfern travelled the world working in marine conservation after he completed his masters in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology before fetching up in Whitby, working as an environmental fisheries officer for North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority.
He lost his job during the pandemic and while he was working, firstly as a bin man, then a fisherman on a traditional coble, he was plotting to establish a state-of-the-art lobster hatchery in the town. Whitby is the third largest lobster market in the UK, after Bridlington – the lobster capital of Europe - and Scarborough.
Together with Terry Pearson, who owns Lobstore, the lobster merchant on the quayside, he has regenerated the disused section of Whitby’s auction shed to protect the lobster fishing fleet for generations to come.
“We crowd-funded the project and an amazing 338 people, including local businesses and fishermen, got behind us and we’ve reached the £20.000 target. The support has been overwhelming” says Joe.
The core of the project is focused on conservation of lobster populations and protection of Whitby’s fishing livelihoods. “Regenerating the now unused fish auction shed, we want to offer something back to Whitby’s fishing fleet, local economy, and visitors. Alongside the conservation work, we are aiming to provide an interactive, educational Marine Discovery Centre, create jobs for local people and at the same time build a sustainable local economy in the town”.
“The aim is to release 100,000 juvenile lobsters into the sea per year. Working with the local fishing industry we will collect ‘berried hens’ – pregnant females, each carrying between 5,000 and 20,000 eggs – which we’ll hatch, rear and then release.”
With Pearson’s passion for high quality, sustainable seafood and Redfern’s industry and project management experience, the skills they bring to this hugely ambitious project should guarantee success – and the regeneration of the currently run-down section of the fish market will spark new life into Whitby’s Pier Road.
Whitby Lobster Hatchery’s Marine Discovery Centre is open to visitors with 30 species of native marine life and an opportunity to interact with marine species in their touchpool.