Celebrating the Power of Photography to Tell Ocean Stories

We’re delighted to celebrate photographer and conservation storyteller Francesca Page, whose photograph of juvenile European lobsters at The National Lobster Hatchery has won second place in the Conservation (Hope) category of Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026.

Selected from an extraordinary collection of ocean photography from around the world, Francesca’s image shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked stage of marine life: the early development of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus).

A small species with a big story

Captured at our hatchery in Padstow, Cornwall, the photograph shows juvenile lobsters being transferred into an innovative AquaHive rearing system. By keeping young lobsters safely separated during their most vulnerable stages, this space-efficient system helps reduce cannibalism and supports their development before release into the wild.

It’s a powerful example of how science, innovation and marine conservation come together in practice. The image also highlights the people, research and care behind efforts to support local lobster populations and contribute to more sustainable seafood systems.

The Ocean Photographer of the Year awards celebrate the ocean through powerful visual storytelling, with winning images reaching international audiences and being exhibited in more than 40 locations globally. Francesca’s success helps bring British marine conservation into the spotlight, encouraging more people to discover the remarkable work taking place beneath the surface.

Congratulations, Francesca, on this fantastic achievement!

Tiny juvenile lobsters, just weeks old, are carefully placed into the Aquahive system, an innovative hatchery setup that houses 4,000 individuals on separate trays to prevent cannibalism. In just days, they’ll be released into the wild. ©2024 Francesca Page

Photo credit: Francesca Page

Celebrating the people behind the picture

At The National Lobster Hatchery, we’re fortunate to collaborate with talented photographers who help translate complex science into compelling, accessible stories.

Francesca’s achievement is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when art and science work together.

We’re equally proud of our ongoing collaboration with award-winning wildlife photographer Lewis Jefferies, who developed and curated the first-ever National Lobster Hatchery exhibition. His project Small Claws, Big Impact explores the remarkable world of lobster conservation through photography. The exhibition has helped audiences connect with the science, people and purpose behind our work.

“Huge thank-you to your team for your help and collaboration over the last few years which has resulted in the success of this image… I’m really happy that it can help promote your work, and fly the flag for British Marine conservation in an international competition.” – Lewis Jefferies

To Francesca, Lewis, Mat and all the photographers, artists, researchers and communicators raising awareness of marine conservation and sustainable food systems: thank you for helping these stories travel further. Your work makes the unseen visible, sparks curiosity and helps connect people with the ocean.

Photo credit: Lewis Jefferies

Discover more marine photography in Padstow

Photography continues to offer fresh perspectives on our relationship with the sea. Visitors to The National Lobster Hatchery can also explore Solstice: Photography Exhibition by Mat Arney, currently on display at our visitor centre. This evocative project explores the relationship between seasons, moon, tide and the Cornish coastline through striking long-exposure imagery.

The exhibition is included with visitor centre admission. Come and discover how photography can inspire a deeper connection with our marine environment.