A toxic chemical is more likely to have caused thousands of crab deaths than natural algae, a study has claimed. There has been extensive coverage regarding the high number of crab and lobster deaths that occurred in the North East last year, following the publication of a new study. The story was covered in the BBC, ITV News, Channel 4 tv and Yorkshire Post, amongst others.

This new research was carried out by several universities commissioned by the fishing industry said pyridine, which could have been released by dredging, was more likely. (Picture credit: Chris Combe).

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was a “complex scientific issue” but previously concluded that a naturally occurring algal bloom was the most likely cause.

The £30,000 study was commissioned by the North East Fishing Collective following a crowdfunding appeal and carried out by academics at Newcastle, Durham, York and Hull universities.

Although it is yet to be peer reviewed, the study’s early report said tests found pyridine, which is used as an anti-corrosion treatment in marine infrastructure, was “highly toxic” to crabs “even at low levels” and caused twitching and paralysis before death similar to witness reports made at the time of the mass wash-ups.

Key findings

The key findings of the report are:

• Pyridine was discovered in sediment samples taken from the River Tees.
• When exposed to less than 25% of the pyridine found in crabs found dead in Saltburn, healthy crabs gathered from waters around Croquet Island, Northumberland, died within six hours.
• Crab deaths along the North East coast are more consistent with industrial toxins than by natural algal toxins.

Defra response

Defra responded to the new report by the universities by saying:

It has yet to be peer reviewed or analysed by Defra and its agencies. Defra and its agencies carried out a comprehensive investigation into the incident which concluded that a naturally occurring algal bloom was the most likely cause of the crustacean deaths. However, the new study claims a toxic substance called pyridine, which could have been released by dredging, was more likely.

This is a complex scientific issue. Defra welcomes and continues to support research carried out by universities and experts in the field and will be reviewing this research in full.

A Defra spokesperson said: A comprehensive investigation last year included extensive testing for chemicals and other pollutants such as pyridine. It concluded a naturally occurring algal bloom was the most likely cause.

“We recognise the concerns in regards to dredging, but we found no evidence to suggest this was a likely cause. There have been no materials licensed for disposal at sea in the area which would fail to meet international standards.

“This is a complex scientific issue, which is why we took a thorough, evidence based approach. We welcome research carried out by universities and will continue to work with them, including studying this report carefully.”

Protests at North East beaches

In September of 2022 concerned members of the public joined forces with environmental activists to protest the over the mass deaths of marine life and pollution on the Teesside coast. The ‘Reclaim Our Sea’ group came together on shores across Teesside on to show their support and to raise awareness of the pollution in local waters.

Further protests occurred this weekend, Sunday October 2^nd, with hundreds of activists forming human chains at beaches across the North East. The protestors stood arm in arm on Saltburn beach and others across the region at midday on Sunday as they chanted “reclaim our seas”. (Picture credit: North News & Pictures Ltd).

Links

• In addition to the links above, ITV News has published an explainer and timeline for the North East crustacean deaths and the subsequent research findings, which can be read here.
• The Channel 4 News programme revealing new evidence that indicates deaths could be linked to pollution caused by the dredging of the River Tees can be viewed here.
• A news piece from the BBC covering the findings of the new research can be read here.
• The press release by Defra from February 2022 on the findings by government agencies that results point to a naturally occurring algal bloom being the cause can be found here.
• Defra’s response to the new report from the universities can be read here.