ound the incident and consider all explanations. This would include the possible roles of algal blooms, dredging and pyridine.
Mr Spencer said that Professor Henderson, who has not previously been involved in considering this issue, would liaise with the government chief scientist Sir Patrick Vallance to establish the independent group.
It would consider the findings of the Defra-led investigation published in May 2022 and subsequent analysis from university researchers.
What has been said about the further research?
Mr Spencer said: “I recognise fishing communities in the North East want as thorough an assessment as possible into the crab and lobster deaths last year. Defra’s investigation concluded that the most likely cause was an algal bloom, but we have always recognised this is a complex area of science and have remained open to further research.
“That’s why it is right that all the evidence is now assessed by independent experts and I look forward to receiving their advice.”
Professor Henderson commented that the “death of a large number of crustaceans last year in north-east England was unusual” and the causes have been “assessed and informed with a wide range of measurements, by Government agencies and by university researchers, with more than one explanation put forward to explain the deaths.”
He added: “The increased sea life mortality has important consequences for local communities and it is important we understand its cause.”