Defra has now published the report into the dead crabs and lobsters on the north-east coast. We reported in early November 2021 on the news of large crustacean mortality, as well as subsequent updates on the investigation and reports of further accounts of dead crabs and lobsters.

The Environment Agency immediately launched an emergency investigation, working with a range of UK government agencies including, Cefas, MMO, FSA, UKHSA, and Defra. The incident affected a stretch of coastline stretching approximately from County Durham and Teesside to Robin Hoods Bay, with the fishing community reporting a significant drop in catches to at least 4 nautical miles offshore.

Defra have said in a statement on May 31 2022 that:

‘Between October and December 2021, dead and dying crabs and lobsters were washed ashore in unusually high numbers along parts of the north-east coast of England.

A range of potential causes including licensed dredging activity, chemical contamination, activities related to offshore windfarms, presence of algal blooms and aquatic animal disease were investigated. No single, consistent causative factor was identified.

However, a harmful algal bloom present in the area was identified as of significance and the most likely cause.’

Separately, George Monbiot has written a piece in the Guardian with his take.

The Defra and joint agencies report can be found here and further information here.