(VIDEO) Famous couple buy live lobsters and release them into the sea, marine biologists criticize: "It's very dangerous"

A British couple sparked controversy after releasing live lobsters back into the sea during a shopping trip on the Isle of Man, prompting sharp criticism from marine biologists. The incident, captured on video and shared widely on social media, has ignited debate over the ethics and ecological risks of such actions. Noel Edmonds, a former television presenter known for hosting Deal or No Deal, and his wife Liz Davies visited a local store on the island, where they purchased two live lobsters from an aquarium display. Rather than keeping them for dinner, the couple decided to return the animals to their natural habitat. They recorded the act and posted the footage online, explaining that they had felt uncomfortable watching the lobsters confined in small tanks. “It was very unpleasant seeing the creatures in such a small aquarium,” Edmonds said in the video. He added that the decision was made with the intention of giving the lobsters a better life. In the video, Edmonds’s wife, holding one lobster in each hand, walks to the edge of a harbor and gently releases them into the water. She appears calm and composed as she watches the lobsters disappear beneath the surface. Edmonds, standing nearby, remarks confidently that the water quality must be good since a crab had recently passed by. This comment quickly drew ridicule on social media, with many users pointing out that crabs are known to scavenge rather than care for lobsters. Some suggested that the couple might have simply been trying to find a meal for the crustaceans. Marine biologists swiftly condemned the action, warning of the potential ecological harm caused by releasing non-native species into unfamiliar waters. Dr. Magnus Johnson, a professor of marine science at the University of Hull, emphasized the dangers associated with such behavior. He explained that introducing lobsters from outside the local area could pose serious threats to the ecosystem. These foreign species might carry diseases or parasites that could devastate native populations and disrupt the balance of marine life. In extreme cases, this interference could lead to the collapse of local fisheries, which are vital to the region’s economy. The owner of the store where the lobsters were sold, Matt Harrison, responded to the growing backlash. He confirmed that the lobsters were later caught locally, meaning there was no risk of disease transmission in this particular case. However, the incident has left a lasting impression on the community. Harrison admitted that the episode has made him reconsider whether to keep the aquarium display in the store. “I understand people’s feelings,” he told reporters. “Most customers want to support local fishermen by buying the lobsters, but I will need to think carefully about the future of this offering.” As the situation continues to unfold, the debate surrounding the ethical treatment of captive marine animals shows no signs of slowing down. While some view the couple’s gesture as a kind-hearted attempt to improve the lives of the lobsters, others argue that such actions can have far-reaching consequences. The incident highlights the complex relationship between human behavior, environmental responsibility, and the delicate ecosystems that sustain coastal communities. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing discussions among scientists, business owners, and the public about how best to protect both wildlife and the livelihoods that depend on it.