Wild Futures 2026

Whitby Lobster Hatchery was invited to speak at the Wild Futures Conference 2026, held at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle. The event set out to show early-career scientists, recent graduates and people changing direction just how many routes there are into the environmental sciences.

The day brought attendees together to meet people who have built careers in the field, with a panel discussion from members of the Natural History Society of Northumberland and a series of short “lightning talks” with something for everyone. Representing the hatchery, Head Aquaculturist Joe Moody gave an eight-minute talk introducing the work of WLH and the ways people can get involved — from volunteering to hands-on placements.

The hatchery’s placement scheme was at the heart of the message. It gives students and aspiring marine biologists practical experience that can be hard to come by anywhere else.

“Not that long ago I was in the same position as a lot of the people listening — really struggling to find any environmental science experience, let alone marine biology.” — Joe Moody, Head Aquaculturist

Interested in a placement at the hatchery? Get in touch at [email protected].