Hartlepool councillors demand answers after more dead crabs wash up on beaches

DEFRA produced a report earlier this month that concluded that an “algal bloom” was responsible for the mass deaths of crustaceans since October 2021.

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However, a contradictory review of the evidence has been published by independent consultant, Tim Deere-Jones, which claims it was more likely to be a substance known as Pyridine which was found by the Environment Agency in high levels within dead sea-life.

Councillor Rachel Creevy and Councillor Jennifer Elliott

Following public outcry, DEFRA say they will carry out further tests after more deaths were recorded.

There have also been calls for a financial support package for fishermen whose livelihood has been affected by lower hauls.

Hartlepool Labour councillor Rachel Creevy, who represents De Bruce ward, said that due to the concern of residents, we have a “responsibility” to ask questions and see “what on earth is going on.”

She added: “Some of our residents rely on fishing for their income, and catches are being reported as having been significantly affected since October last year, with no apparent help for residents impacted by this.”

Labour councillor Jennifer Elliott, who represents Fens and Greatham ward said the councillors had submitted a Freedom of Information Request to ask questions about “what has happened.”

She said: “We’re seeing national press reports about this and concerns have been raised given the amount of work going on in and around the Tees at the moment. 

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“We welcome the ongoing investigation but it is disappointing that it has taken public campaigning across the North East to force this issue."

A spokesperson for DEFRA recently said further "scientific work" was required.

They added: "Further scientific work is required to continue to examine the ongoing impact of this incident and we will continue to update industry on next steps as work continues.

“Significant testing and modelling previously ruled out a number of potential causes including chemical pollution, sewage, animal disease or dredging.

“However, although healthy crabs and lobsters have been recorded in the area, we are aware that there have been reports of further dead or dying lobsters and crabs found in a small number of pots along the North East coast this week, and will be undertaking additional sampling of crab and lobster within the incident area to investigate.”

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