Authorities in the UK have reported that the phenomenon of tens of thousands of dead lobsters and crabs washing up on beaches in the northeast of the country is due to a bloom of harmful algae.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched an investigation following the mass die-off of lobsters and crabs along the coastline between October and December 2021, according to the BBC.
This mysterious occurrence has left local fishermen alarmed. Barrie Deas, a spokesperson for the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, described the situation as akin to “a mysterious murder in an Agatha Christie novel.”
Some local fishing companies are concerned that this phenomenon may be linked to dredging activities at the River Tees. However, after the investigation, DEFRA stated in early February that the cause may stem from a bloom of marine algae.
The scene of the mass die-off of lobsters and fish on the northeast coast of England has been described as “a mysterious murder in an Agatha Christie novel.” (Photo: Yahoo).
The joint investigation by the Environment Agency, the Marine Management Organisation, and the Food Standards Agency found that the cause did not originate from chemical pollution, waste, or infectious diseases related to marine animals.
Authorities also reviewed the dredging activities in question and tested water samples but found no evidence linking them to the mass die-off of lobsters and crabs.
While the chemical pyridine was initially identified in the dead crabs in the affected areas, further investigations revealed that this substance was not present in the water and sediment samples collected offshore of the River Tees.
Since this chemical has also been found in crabs from other areas, its presence is believed to be related to “biological processes.”
DEFRA stated that they will continue to work with the local fishing industry and are prepared to take action if the situation with dead lobsters and fish recurs.
The agency also confirmed that there is no food safety risk from fish, crabs, and lobsters caught off the northeast coast of England. However, the public is advised not to eat any dead or dying animals found on the beach.
