Thousands of shellfish killed by chemical leak from dredging
THE MYSTERIOUS deaths of thousands of crabs and lobsters along England's north-east coast may have been caused by a chemical leak.
The dead crustaceans began washing up on beaches last October with fishermen warning their livelihoods were in danger.
A government report last week concluded the deaths were caused by naturally occurring algal bloom.
But an independent study says there is evidence the deaths may have been caused after dredging as part of the Teesside Freeport project released harmful chemicals.
The report said “very high concentrations” of pyridine were found in samples – a chemical waste product from industrial processes.
Defra yesterday stood by its original findings.
