Lobster lab will be first stage of new marina
A UNIQUE fisherman-owned laboratory is set to open in Bridlington before the end of the year – the first stage of a huge transformation of the harbour area.
With the multi-million-pound marina project closer than ever and design work already under way, plans have been submitted to East Riding Council for the development in the former netloft on the South Pier.
Research will shed new light on the life cycle of lobsters, which are worth several millions of pounds to the local economy, and members of the public will be able to take a look through viewing windows from a right of way outside.
Mike Cohen, chief executive of the Holderness Fishing Industry Group, said: “It is hugely exciting. As soon as we get planning permission, we want to start building and we want to be up and running before the end of the year.”
Mr Cohen said there were limitations as to what they could do from their research boat: “When lobsters hatch out from their eggs, they are so, so small and transparent, they just float around with plankton, before they settle on the sea bed and burrow into the sand. If something is affecting the population, we aren’t going to know about it until they are big enough to catch three or four years down the line.
“With a hatchery on land, we can see what affects lobsters in the early stages of their life cycle. This sort of facility doesn’t exist around here and to be owned and operated by a fishermen’s group, it will be absolutely unique.”
The new laboratory will welcome school groups to help youngsters learn about the work that goes on at sea, and there are plans to form links with universities.
The planning application has been submitted to the council by Bridlington Harbour Commissioners, on behalf of HFIG.