Penwith College Supports Marine Conservation

Aimed at promoting lobster conservation, the students had the privilege of helping to release approximately 500 seven-week-old lobsters into the sea, attracting coverage from a string of media including The Cornishman, BBC Spotlight and BBC Radio Cornwall.

The National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation and education charity based in Padstow.

In this inspiring and educational experience, students worked closely with industry experts learning more about the challenges faced by the declining lobster population and the remarkable efforts of the National Lobster Hatchery to counteract this issue. The lobster, renowned as the most valuable fish in our nation’s waters, holds a crucial role in sustaining marine ecosystems and supporting local fishing industries and communities.

Students braved the chilly October waters and successfully released hundreds of tiny lobsters into the shallows of Long Rock Beach.

The Marine Academy is a new addition to the Truro and Penwith College Enrichment programme and has proved to be an exciting and fast-growing academy filled with many budding marine enthusiasts across college who are passionate about understanding and protecting our oceans.

Marine Academy Lead, Katie Maggs, commented: “The lobster release was such a beneficial experience for our Marine Academy students. Not only did it enthuse and educate them about really vital issues linked to conservation and the current health of our marine ecosystems, it also gave them an insight into the variety of local marine careers and volunteering opportunities available.”

Penwith College Marine Academy hopes to continue to work alongside The National Hatchery and more marine conversation organisations in the near future to raise more awareness of the importance of our oceans. 

You can watch the video of the release on Instagram.