Catching Up With Whitby Lobster Hatchery

From a rainy afternoon in an office at Whitby Lobster Hatchery, we talk with Whitby Lobster Hatchery's Joe Redfern about the practical work behind conservation aquaculture and what it takes to support a real fishing town while rebuilding marine wildlife. We dig into the hatchery’s core process, including how “buried hens” are brought in with legal dispensation, how V-notching protects breeding females, and why the long-term ambition is bold: one baby lobster released for every lobster caught into Whitby. Joe also shares an update on the brown crab hatchery, why edible crab stocks are falling nationally, and how new marine biology interns help build capacity and create rare training opportunities in a competitive field.  We also touch on citizen science sightings, fish market improvements, and what a maritime hub could mean for jobs and aspiration in Whitby. If you care about sustainable fishing, marine conservation, or the future of coastal communities, listen now, share this with someone who loves the sea, and leave us a review so more people can find the Whitby Cast.