A Welsh project which aims to encourage collaborative working in the seafood sector has launched a ‘branded claw band’ scheme for lobsters.
When caught, lobsters have rubber bands placed on their claws to prevent them hurting themselves and those handling them. The new scheme, run by Cywain-led project, Wales Seafood Cluster, sees lobsters being fitted with bands that clearly identify them as being caught in Welsh waters, by Welsh fishermen.
“This is a great example of collaboration by the cluster members,” said Siân Davies, Seafood Cluster manager (North Wales). “They are trying to grow the UK market, and it’s a privilege to work with them on this project. I’m looking forward to seeing more fantastic, and sustainable, Welsh seafood becoming more visible in markets in the near future.”
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 90% of Welsh lobster was exported to the continent. While this market has been hit in recent months, Welsh fishermen have for some time been considering ways to raise the profile of their catch closer to home.
“We had the idea for the Lobster Bands way before the situation we are now in with coronavirus,” explained lobster fisherman, Brett Garner, who has been fishing out of Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth) for more than 30 years.
“The whole idea is to promote Welsh lobster as a quality product and identify them so that people know where the lobster comes from – especially as we are trying to build native home sales,” he added.
