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The rare discovery of more than 30 baby Giant Freshwater Lobsters at the Flowerdale Lobster Ponds Haven is likely to be a world first. Thrilled workers at the lobster ponds believe the babies are the first bred in captivity. “It’s absolutely exciting; Kevin Hyland is beside himself,” venue manager Russell Lewis said describing the reaction of his lobster ponds manager. “Nature has dispelled the belief this could not occur in captivity,” Mr Lewis said. The much-admired Giant Freshwater Lobster (Astacopsis gouldi) is an endangered species endemic to northern Tasmania and only discovered in the North-West’s cool streams. It can weigh up to 6kg, reach up to one metre in length, live for 40-plus years and is the largest invertebrate in the world. Mr Lewis said the lobster ponds aimed to establish a breeding program in the future but “much to our surprise the breeding program has happened without us trying to do anything.” Female lobsters do not reach breeding age until 14-years-old, and mate biennially. Females can lay up to 1300 eggs, which gestate for nine months but far fewer hatchlings survive. The babies hide under rocks and logs at the edge of creeks for seven years until large enough to brave open water. A baby lobster is about the size of a fingernail. Mr Lewis said the female lobster carries her eggs under her tail. “When born they look like little spiders,” Mr Lewis said. “In late August we discovered different generations of lobster babies of varying sizes born over several breeding cycles.” Due to overfishing and land clearing the lobsters almost became extinct. The Lobster Ponds Haven is run by volunteers and was established in 2003 by Don Bramich, a local farmer and fisherman, for people to see and learn about the lobsters and their ecosystems. “We’re here for the purpose of tourism and to educate people about these amazing creatures,” Mr Lewis said. Visitors to the ponds last year exceeded 1650. A Cradle Coast Authority National Resource Management grant will be used to fund interpretative signs at the ponds.

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