The centre is spending �80,000 on upgrading equipment

The National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow says its breeding programme for last year was entirely wiped out.

At the time, staff could not work out what was killing the lobsters, but water tests then showed very high levels of oil, zinc and ammonia.

Staff are now upgrading the water treatment systems.

Upgrade equipment

The levels were not harmful to humans, but they were lethal to the centimetre-long baby lobsters and an investigation is under way into the source of the pollution.

Edwin Derriman, Chief Fishery Officer for Cornwall, said: "It was catastrophic really. The staff were gutted and were really down.

"They would go home at night leaving what they thought were about 3,000 very healthy lobsters.

"But during the night the system pulled in water, and they came in the next morning to find dead animals."

Staff say they are relieved they now know what caused the deaths.

Make donation

Dylan Taylor, from the �300,000 hatchery, said: "Until the upgrade is completed, we're actually planning to run this year with artificial salt water, so we totally eradicate any issues until the treatment system has been sorted out."

The upgrade of the centre's equipment will cost �80,000, but North Cornwall District Council has agreed to donate �5,000 towards the expenditure.

Cornwall County Council is also considering making a donation, along with the other district councils.

Fewer tourists than expected have been visiting the hatchery, which is the first of its kind in the UK.