The Environment Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee is to hold a hearing on October 25th 2022 into the deaths of large numbers of crustaceans off the north east English coast since October 2021. There have been conflicting theories about the reason for the deaths of the crabs and lobsters. The Government has attributed the cause to a marine ‘algal bloom’, while others have argued that the phenomenon is caused by pollution linked to dredging. The session will look at the different explanations for the cause of the deaths, what can be done to prevent a recurrence and its impact on local communities.
Sir Robert Goodwill, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, and Chair of the EFRA Committee, said:
“We need to establish what is causing these disturbing events. They have implications for coastal communities in North Yorkshire and Teesside – not least, of course, those engaged in or dependent on the fishing industry. But there could also be wider environmental and economic implications with lessons to be learned.”
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, and Member of the EFRA Committee said:
“Our cross party EFRA Committee comprising Conservative, Labour and SNP MPs has scheduled an urgent Inquiry session into this alarming ecological and environmental situation involving huge numbers of deaths of crustaceans off our northern coasts. Already this week we have had an evidence session on marine mammal protection both here and internationally, and it is so vital that our Committee probes important issues like this. The health of our waters both inshore and offshore is something we must fight to protect and uphold.”
