The Isle of Man Farm Shop at Glen Helen has stopped selling live lobsters following customer complaints and a surge of online criticism after two lobsters were bought and released by Noel and Liz Edmonds.
Owner Matt Harrison said the shop had received “several complaints” in its first few months, but the issue escalated when the release was posted on Instagram, prompting what he described as “vitriol and hate” directed at the couple.
He said much of the reaction stemmed from “a lack of education” about how lobsters are kept and sourced.
Harrison said the shop’s tank had become more of a talking point than a sales feature, with school groups visiting to learn about shellfish, but added that he did not want it to be a gimmick.
He said the shop may reintroduce live lobsters in future but would reconsider how they are displayed to avoid upsetting customers.
He also said the debate reflects wider misunderstandings about food production, noting that many breeds, including the Manx Loaghtan, exist because they are part of the island’s farming and food industry.
