n raising the alarm over the deaths of crustaceans since autumn last year.
An initial report by Defra blamed a naturally occurring algal bloom. But independent researchers blamed chemicals released by dredging operations linked to the development of the government’s flagship freeport at the mouth of the Tees.
The development on Europe’s largest brownfield site is expected to bring as many as 18,000 new jobs to the area. But some fear the extensive demolition, rebuilding and dredging work has disturbed pollutants that have lain dormant in the area and the surrounding seabed for decades.
Earlier this month the chair of the House of Commons environment select committee called for an urgent investigation into whether dredging had caused the deaths.
However, Defra stopped short of granting the request of Sir Robert Goodwill, MP of Scarborough and Whitby, to minimise dredging while the investigation took place.
Joe Redfern, secretary of Whitby Commercial Fishing Association, told Defra’s select committee that he thinks further dredging could bring an end to the North East fishing industry. He believes it is “undoubtable” that dredging and pyridine have played a part in the die-offs.
What have investigations found to have caused the deaths?
An official investigation into the incident was led by Defra and it pointed the finger at an algal bloom as the likely cause. It concluded it was unlikely that dredging, chemical or sewage pollution or animal disease had been the cause.
However, subsequent research by academics, backed by the fishing industry, suggested the incident could have been caused by industrial pollutant pyridine, possibly from dredging in the mouth of the River Tees to maintain channels for port traffic.
There have been calls for a halt to dredging for the new Teesside freeport pending a full analysis of the situation.
In a letter to the parliamentary Defra’s committee, which has been examining the issue, fisheries minister Mark Spencer said an independent group would be established to assess the evidence ar