Using the North Sea Tank to simulate their natural habitat, a sample of wild lobsters will be fitted with sophisticated tracking devices, which appear as small electronic back packs, allowing scientists to unlock the mysteries of the European Lobster.

The study, part of North Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee’s lobster population dynamics research involves a collaboration with The Yorkshire and Humber Seafood Group, The Deep and The University of Wales, will give scientists vital data that has massive implications for the future of this commercial species and its sustainability.

The self-contained devices will be attached to the backs of wild lobsters to log their behavioural patterns such as the migration, fighting, feeding, reproduction and will allow the comparison of different behaviours and distributions between males, females and juveniles.

Nick Fleming of the North Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee said: "This study will finally allow us to obtain vital information unravelling the behavioural patterns of this species, which thrives off our coast line. With this information, we can set this region apart in terms of ground-breaking research and help to secure the future of this species."

It is hoped that, in time, lobsters will be tracked in the wild so further research can be undertaken to provide a greater understanding if this species’ life history and get a broader view of the issues affecting lobsters in their natural habitat.

The Yorkshire Coast is now one of the UK's largest lobster fishing areas, with a growing fleet centres on Bridlington. A few months ago researchers were in Scarborough working on an exercise to help lobsters and crabs to breed.

Research by the University of Hull's Centre for Coastal Studies says the crustaceans may use trapping pots as a source of food and shelter. Those which are too small escape or are thrown back into the sea. Scientists from Scarborough, working with fishermen in Bridlington, were given a £10,000 grant from Defra to continue their research.

Dr Magnus Johnson, head of the centre for coastal studies, said at the time: "Because of the gentle way in which trapped crabs and lobsters are treated, the vast majority of the animals returned to the sea survive to forage another day.

"This is very different to the trawling industry where most of the undersized fish returned die or are already dead."

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