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Build a Hatchery

At Lobster Aquatic, we utilise readily available materials to design hatcheries that fit any space, significantly reducing costs compared to industry standards. We develop systems that are both beginner-friendly and easy to maintain, without sacrificing performance in lobster rearing.

Inside a Lobster Hatchery

A Lobster hatchery is made up of 3 key parts:

  • Maternity ward - This is where the 'berried hens' are housed while all their larvae are released from eggs beneath their tails.

  • Larval rearing tanks - After release from eggs, larvae are moved to agitated larval tanks to mimic the movement of the ocean. They go through 3 stages of moulting here.

  • Juvenile rearing tanks - After the third moult, larvae become juveniles and are moved to a juvenile tank to grow a little longer before release.

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Why us?

With years of experience building aquaculture systems, we have a proven track record of creating successful systems for several species, including of course lobsters. Our designs are tailored for inexperienced users, ensuring ease of use without compromising on performance. Each system includes comprehensive training and consultancy, providing you with expert guidance to maximise your hatchery's potential.

  • Do I Need to Buy a Whole Hatchery?
    No! We build whichever sections of a hatchery you require, including a maternity ward hen unit, larval rearing unit, or juvenile grow-out system. We offer the flexibility to run different sections of the hatchery on the same biofilters to save costs or on separate biofilters to optimize production. Additionally, we have extensive experience building experimental setups for research-based hatcheries.
  • Can You Work With The Equipment We Already Have?
    Yes, where possible, we can incorporate equipment you already own to keep costs down. Common items we have reused include pumps, tanks, and pipework. We will assess the previous use of this equipment to ensure it is suitable for rearing lobsters, but we are more than happy to evaluate and repurpose your existing assets. This approach is a great way to reduce the overall cost of building a hatchery.
  • How Many Juvenile Lobsters Will Your Systems Produce?
    There are many factors impacting the production of juvenile lobsters in aquaculture systems, including the quality of systems built, the care they receive, and the quality of larvae, among other factors. At Lobster Aquatics, we don't make unrealistic promises about production numbers. Running a lobster hatchery comes with a learning curve, but purchasing from us includes industry-leading training, support, and consultancy. This ensures your organisation gets the necessary support to maximise the potential of your system and release many juvenile lobsters in your first year!
  • Can Anyone Run a Lobster Hatchery?
    Yes, most hatcheries have been set up by passionate individuals with little experience. As long as you have the passion for creating a fantastic conservation and education resource, you can succeed. By purchasing from Lobster Aquatics, you will be fully supported by people who have been in your shoes and will help you every step of the way to set up a successful hatchery that benefits your fishery and community
  • How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Fully Operational Lobster Hatchery?
    The time required to set up a fully operational lobster hatchery depends on many factors, including the location, size of the system, and the other projects the company is working on at the time. Additional considerations include the availability of materials, the complexity of the design, permitting and regulatory approval processes, and the specific requirements of your project. Despite these variables, from the first consultation, we can generally have a hatchery set up within 2 months. Our team works diligently to ensure a smooth and efficient setup process tailored to your needs.
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