Markets & Economic Development Community Leadership Downeast Groundfish Initiative Hatchery Outreach and Education

For several years we have run an education program in local schools based on the biology and business of lobstering. Special licenses permit us to hold small lobsters in tanks expressly for teaching purposes.

In 2010 we suspended the schools program because the hatchery is temporarily closed.

 

Brooksville students are captivated by the baby lobsters visiting their classsroom

Most of our local towns have supported the Zone C Lobster Hatchery and it has been appropriate to introduce concepts of marine stewardship to children in their elementary chool systems. Fourth to sixth graders in Deer Isle Stonington, Brooksville, Brooklin, Sedgwick, Surry, Blue Hill, Vinalhaven, North Haven, Penobscot, and Castine have had a classroom opportunity to learn how the hatchery works. Even though first and second graders are a

little young to appreciate the content, in Brooksville they participated fully with lobster
coloring books and many questions.

 

Kirby the female lobster

Typically a Penobscot East staff member brings in one or two baby lobsters, and conducts a slide show that explains how the hatchery operates, and how the releases work. We try to tie this in to the school's life-sciences curriculum. Younger classes are given pictures of lobsters for coloring to keep them engaged while the power point presentation is running for older children. The students are always very excited to see the baby lobsters. Many have family members who are lobstermen and have already been lobstering with them. This is an opportunity to help them make the connection between what their "fathers" caught on their lobster boat, and what we raise in the
hatchery, while providing some understanding
of the lobster life cycle.