(l-r) Jean Taylor, Dr Dave Hodgson and a PhD student Charlie Ellis meet His Royal Highness.

Image: Bernie Pettersen.

Royal visit to Hatchery gives an insight into lobster research

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow recently where he learnt about the charity’s pioneering research work with the University of Exeter. 

His Royal Highness was given a tour of the Hatchery and was introduced to staff, volunteers, guests and members of the scientific committee who work closely with the Hatchery. This included Dr Dave Hodgson, Associate Professor of Ecology at the University’s Penryn Campus, and PhD student, Charlie Ellis, from the campus’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI).

Dave and Charlie were given the opportunity to talk about their current projects with the Hatchery, including a lobster stock enhancement research project, which Charlie is working on.

Jean Taylor, Head of Strategic Economic Development at the University of Exeter Penryn Campus said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the important work the Hatchery is carrying out. We’ve worked with them on a number of collaborative research projects over the years, helping them develop a research strategy, which has enabled them to build a solid international reputation and become one of the key contributors to lobster stocking science.”

His Royal Highness was visiting the Hatchery as part of his visit to Padstow and Newquay where he met representatives from the local fishing community and gig rowers.

Date: 18 August 2014