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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Monday, 17 January 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2022. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Monday, 31 January 2022 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Marine Environment: North Yorkshire

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any assessment of the cause of the mass loss of sea-life around the North Yorkshire coast, particularly in regards to Teesport and Scarborough; and whether any link has been found to reports of dogs falling ill after going into the sea.

Answer

Defra, Cefas, the Marine Management Organisation and the Environment Agency (EA), along with other agencies, are continuing to collaborate on the investigation into the cause of crab and lobster deaths along the Tees Valley including Teesport and Scarborough. The EA and Cefas have undertaken extensive tests to try to determine the cause and are reviewing the evidence gathered since the start of this incident. It has not yet been possible to identify a definitive cause. Additional testing has been undertaken and the latest results are awaited. Cefas found no evidence of disease, and chemical pollution was previously ruled out by the Environment agency as a likely cause of the mortality.

Defra is aware of reports of dogs falling ill at several dog-walking locations including local beaches. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has been alerted about these reports. We are not aware of any link with the crab and lobster mortality in the area late last year.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5420
Session
2021-22
Related items
Marine Environment: North Yorkshire
Tuesday, 22 February 2022
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Animal welfare Dogs Pollution Seas and oceans North Yorkshire Marine environment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk