Live Lobster Moult!

In an exciting first for The National Lobster Hatchery, one of our European Lobsters was captured live on camera moulting – an extraordinary and rarely seen stage of a lobster’s life.

This remarkable footage was recorded by placement student Stan Hagen during his first week at the hatchery. The lobster, part of our unique “Known Age Lobster” exhibit, offers a fascinating glimpse into this part of the lobster life cycle.

These “Known Age” lobsters are among the only adult lobsters in the world whose age is definitively known. Hatched in our maternity ward from 2016 onwards, they were grown at sea in specially designed containers as part of our pioneering research on sea-based lobster culture. Upon their return, these lobsters have enabled scientists from the University of East Anglia to study how their DNA changes over time. This research holds potential for assessing the ages of wild lobsters, supporting future conservation efforts.

Stan Hagen, Swansea University student, shared his excitement:

“I couldn’t believe my luck! To capture such an important moment in my first week here is beyond exciting.”

Ben Marshall, Head of Production, shared his enthusiasm:

“It’s fantastic to capture a live moult – the first we’ve managed to record in nearly 25 years of being open. This footage brings the public closer to an essential part of the lobster lifecycle, and we hope it will excite people and spark more conversation about the incredible marine life we’re working to protect.”

Come and visit us in Padstow and see these amazing crustaceans up close! The cost of admission goes directly to sustaining our marine conservation work.