Noel Edmonds has sparked backlash online after releasing live lobsters from a shop tank back into the sea at Peel Harbour in the Isle of Man. The former Deal or No Deal host, 77, revealed the incident on social media with a video detailing that they felt 'uncomfortable' looking at the crustaceans in the tank, so took matters into their own hands.
Video shows release
"All right, this is one of those more bizarre things that happens with us. We were at a place where there were some lobsters in a tank, and we're a little bit uncomfortable about the lobsters and tanks," he said in a video shared on his Instagram. "So we bought the lobsters, and now Liz is going to release them. So here we go," he said as his wife gently dropped the two lobsters into the sea.
"Nice clear water in Peel Harbour. There they go! And we know this is nice fresh water because a moment ago a seal went past. Wonderful place." The caption of the post read: "We love and respect all creatures great and small". The post has now sparked what some followers are jokingly calling "lobstergate".
Backlash and concerns
Noel has since disabled the comments, but previous messages from followers included: "Lovely sentiment, but from a marine biologist perspective it's best not to release captive lobsters. Disease transfer and genetic mixing are real concerns to native populations - also restaurants will order more lobsters and sell them knowing people will release them - you're liable to big fines for doing this." Another said: 'They didn't have a chance the moment he removed them from tank.' A third commented: "They've basically killed them. Look it up. You can't release tanked lobsters into the sea for various reasons."
Shop owner responds
Isle of Man Farmshop has also since taken to social media to respond to Noel's comments, with the owner Matt Harrison attempting to "set the record straight" and explain that the lobsters are locally caught and delivered every two weeks. He added that while Noel and Liz didn't name him, he felt it was clear it was about his shop and he wanted to defend his decision to sell live lobsters.
"I'm sensitive to people's feelings. But the vast majority of people want us to keep it and for us to keep supporting local businesses, which is the whole point of the shop. I'm still mulling over whether to keep it. There are still lobsters in there; they're really healthy. We're just going to see what happens. But customers will be able to buy it in plenty of other places along the Peel seafront."
