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Dead Crustaceans (North-East Coast)
28 June 2022
Lead MP
Alex Cunningham
Stockton North
Lab
Responding Minister
Victoria Prentis
Tags
Agriculture & Rural AffairsStandards & EthicsLocal Government
Word Count: 4623
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Alex Cunningham raised concerns about dead crustaceans (north-east coast) in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.