Noel Edmonds has drawn criticism from a marine biologist after the broadcasting legend released lobsters into the sea.
The former Deal or No Deal presenter, 77, now lives on the Isle of Man with his wife Liz Davies, where he last week shared that he had purchased two of the crustaceans from a local farm shop.
In a video that has since been deleted from his page, Edmonds – who eats a predominantly vegetarian diet – documented the process for Instagram, explaining to his followers the “bizarre” situation that had occurred.
“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, so we bought the lobsters and now Liz is going to release them,” Edmonds said, as Davies let the animals into the “nice clear water” at Peel Harbour on the west coast of the island.
Calling the area a “wonderful place”, the Noel’s House Party host added: “We know this is nice fresh water because a moment ago a seal went past.”
However, the video was quickly criticised by Edmonds’ followers, who suggested that the sea creatures would be eaten immediately by said seal or be caught straight again.
One of the commenters was the University of Hull lecturer Dr Magnus Johnson, who teaches environmental marine science and said that issues could occur if the lobsters were not from the UK.
“If they become established in UK waters and their parasites and diseases spread, it could be a disaster for our local industry,” he wrote.
The Standard has contacted Edmonds’ representatives for comment.
Responding to the backlash himself was Matt Harrison, the owner of the farm shop where Edmonds purchased the animals, as he claimed that the lobsters were caught by a local shellfish fisherman near Peel.
In an interview, Harrison insisted that the creatures were “really healthy”, but that he was “sensitive to people’s feelings” and was considering moving the animals to a different part of the shop.
Earlier this year, a new UK law was introduced banning the practice of boiling lobsters, along with shrimp, crabs and langoustines, alive, recognising that the creatures are sentient and have a capacity for pain.
