LOBSTERS have been released by scientists as part of research by Bournemouth University (BU) into sustainable environments.
Juvenile lobsters have been released onto 3D-printed artificial reefs by a team of researchers from the marine conservation department at BU.
The artificial reef is part of an Interreg Atlantic-funded international research project called 3DPARE, and tests which concrete types, reef shapes, and specific features like overhangs and holes are most attractive to marine animals.
It is hoped that the project will determine whether man-made structures, like the 3D printed reef units, can attract larger, high value species of fish and crustations like lobsters.
Little is known about the preferred habitats of juvenile lobsters, and more information could aid their conservation in the future.
Professor Rick Stafford, who led the team of BU researchers, said: “Marine conservation has a huge challenge of dealing with both climate change and rapid biodiversity loss. In more temperate areas this loss is also caused by coastal developments.
"Our understanding of artificial reefs can help us to better design sea walls, breakwaters and harbours, which can help boost marine life and biodiversity. The lobster release project also investigates whether these structures could support high value local fisheries."
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