FILM EXPLORES LOBSTER CONSERVATION
North Devon film-maker Jo Stewart-Smith has created a new documentary about lobster conservation in the Bristol Channel.
The short film explores how the lobster population off the north Devon coast has been boosted by the Lundy no-take zone, where fishing is prohibited.
It focuses on the work of Ilfracombe lobster fisherman Geoff Huelin and how he and others have supported the conservation effort.
Jo's film, entitled Lobster Potting and Berried Hens, is the first release in the Boat Stories series, launched by North Devon Moving Image (NDMI) to explore the fishing and maritime industries.
Amanda McCormack, creative director of NDMI, said: "We are really pleased with what Jo and her crew have done with the Boat Stories brief.
"As well as sharing stories of contemporary life in North Devon an important part of our remit is to give work to local film makers.
"We want to fly the flag for the documentary film industry in North Devon and this project shows that we definitely have local talent worth celebrating."
Boat Stories is funded by Northern Devon Flag (Fisheries Local Action Group), Bideford Bridge Trust, Tarka Trust and North Devon +.
Flag programme manager Jenny Carey-Wood said: "Using film to entertain, inform and engage is vital in reaching a wide audience of children, local people and visitors, to meet the Flag priority of increasing awareness and understanding of both fishing and the marine environment in north Devon."
To watch the film, visit www.boatstories.co.uk.
