Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Dead Crustaceans (North-East Coast)

28 June 2022 · 3 other contributors · 4,623 words

Opened by Alex Cunningham Lab Stockton North

Responding minister: Victoria Prentis

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alex Cunningham raised concerns about dead crustaceans (north-east coast) in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about mass die-offs of sea creatures along the north-east coast since October 2021, with higher than average dead crustacean catches reported by local fishermen.
  • Cunningham requests the investigation to be reopened and asks for evidence proving that dredging is not the cause of the die-offs or for compensation to affected fisherpeople.
  • Calls for a full investigation into the effects of prolonged mass mortality on marine wildlife and a support package for the decimated fishing industry.

Key requests to Government

Cunningham asks for the investigation to be reopened and seeks clarification on why decontamination and repurposing of sediment is not being considered. He requests that the Government provides evidence proving dredging is not the issue or offers compensation to fisherpeople affected by the die-offs. Additionally, he calls for a full investigation into the effects of this prolonged mass mortality on marine wildlife and asks for a support package for the decimated fishing industry.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alex Cunningham Lab Stockton North

Cunningham is concerned about the mass die-offs of sea creatures along the north-east coast, starting from October last year. He mentions ongoing issues with higher than average dead crustacean catches and negligible inshore water catches reported by local fishermen. He highlights that DEFRA's hypothesis of a rare algal bloom as the cause has not been definitively proven and there are concerns about the dredging of sediment in the Tees, potentially stirring up historical pollutants.

Other contributors (3)
  • Jacob Young Con Redcar

    Mr Jacob Young, MP for Redcar, clarified that the Tees Valley Mayor and local organisations have no control over dredging activities in the River Tees. He emphasised the misconception of chemical pollution or dredging being responsible for the mass death of crabs. The MP called for continued questioning but also highlighted the need to support affected fishing communities like Redcar.

  • Matthew Offord Con Hendon

    Mr Offord raised concerns about the cause of dead crustaceans on the UK coastline, suggesting that contamination by pyridine, a chemical not routinely examined by the Environment Agency, might be responsible for their deaths.

  • Peter Gibson Con Bishop Auckland

    Mr Gibson emphasised the issue's significance to the Tees valley community and asked the hon. Gentleman about his efforts in discussing the matter with PD Ports, the port authority.

Government Response

Victoria Prentis

It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I thank the hon. Member for Stockton North and my hon. Friends for securing this debate. The mass wash-up of dead crabs and lobsters in the Tees area had significant impacts on the local community and fishing industry. Extensive testing ruled out chemicals or dredging as causes, with a harmful algal bloom being identified as the most likely cause. Government experts published their report last month, concluding that no chemicals tested were at levels to explain the mortality, and further research is ongoing. The EA continues monthly water quality sampling, CEFAS investigates parasites in lobsters, and MMO ensures dredge material disposal adheres to guidelines. We are sharing all findings with scientists and local authorities to ensure transparency. Compensation for natural events is not standard practice but I am willing to work with colleagues to find infrastructure bids that can help the local community through the UK seafood fund. A meeting will be convened when more evidence from ongoing research is available.

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