Mark Whitehead 19 May 2023

Council calls for shellfish death inquiry

Council calls for shellfish death inquiry  image
Image: creativcontent / Shutterstock.com.

North Yorkshire Council has backed calls for a public inquiry into the unexplained mass deaths of shellfish off its coastline.

Thousands of marine creatures, including crabs, have washed up dead between Hartlepool and Whitby since late 2021.

Crab and lobster fishermen in Whitby say their livelihoods are at risk because of reduced catches, which many blame on dredging in the river Tees.

Previous research, supported by the fishing industry, suggested the deaths could have been due to the chemical pyridine, possibly from dredging in the mouth of the River Tees.

The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs said it was likely to be due to naturally-occurring harmful algae and environment secretary Therese Coffey has previously said no further analysis will take place.

However, a panel of 12 experts said in January no definitive cause had been found, but they ruled out pyridine and concluded it was possible a disease or parasite new to UK waters was responsible.

Labour councillor Neil Swannick, whose Whitby division has been affected by the die-offs said: ‘I can't think that anybody would not now understand that this is a big issue for fishing communities on the North East coast.

‘The net result was that there will be pressure on the secretary of state to convene a public inquiry, which was the original aim of my motion.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner