The Environment Agency have begun investigating in Hartlepool after a video on social media sparked fears of another marine die-off event.
Officers have conducted a preliminary assessment, including pictures and videos, which showed a large number of washed-up cockles and mussels on the shoreline of Middleton beach.
The reported shells do not appear to be fresh and are believed to be the result of natural wash-up following a high tide.
However, the Environment Agency has sent inspectors to the site to investigate.
This comes after the North East Fishing Collective posted a video of the beach covered in dead cockles.
Yesterday this beach was clear, today it is filled with dead cockles. No storm, no issues. Expected government response: “mass suicide of cockles” wake up and smell the dead sealife @EnvAgency @NEIFCA_ @The_MMO #toxictees #saveoursea #teessideecocide #coastal #fishermen #fishing pic.twitter.com/F2oBFhBAxR
— North East Fishing Collective (@NEastFC) April 30, 2024
The tweet kicked off an argument between Conservative MP Simon Clarke and Labour politicians Jonathan Brash and Alex Cunnnigham.
Yet another huge wash up on Tees beaches of dead sea life today. It's a disgrace that ministers and mayor Houchen couldn't give a damn.
— Alex Cunningham MP (@ACunninghamMP) April 30, 2024
Mr Clarke denied the claims of another die-off with a picture from Redcar beach.
This was Redcar 3 hours ago Alex. No die off. THREE independent investigations have shown there is no link to dredging in any event. But the truth long since stopped mattering for Labour anyway 🤷 https://t.co/Q66AnuPAQW pic.twitter.com/45F0FT83nE
— Simon Clarke MP (@SimonClarkeMP) April 30, 2024
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Aspiring MP Jonathan Brash hit back stating that a number of people and fishermen had been in touch with him about the incident in Hartlepool.
He clarified that the incident had taken place on Middleton beach.
@SimonClarkeMP It was Middleton beach in Hartlepool. Today. Reported directly to me and others by fishermen, whose industry and livelihood you’ve sat idly by and watched destroyed. Stop attacking decent Hartlepool people who’ve raised this. You owe them an apology. https://t.co/cwv86qDast
— Jonathan Brash for Hartlepool MP (@JonathanBrash) April 30, 2024
The Environment Agency encourages reports of wash ups and ask members of the public to report incidents to their 24 hour hotline on 0800 807060.
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