Mar 2nd, 2023
2 mins
Defra have recently published an independent scientific report on the assessment of unusual crustacean mortality in North East England over 2021- 2022.
An unusually large number of dead or dying crustaceans started to be found along the coast of the north-east of England from early October 2021. This unusual mortality continued through October and November 2021, and continued periodically through 2022.
Crustacean wash-ups were found along at least 70 km of coastline, and dead or dying crustaceans were also reported by fishers over a wide region. Some of these crustaceans displayed a twitching behaviour not normally observed in beach wash-ups, or during fishing activity.
The report summarises the findings made by the Crustacean Mortality Expert Panel (CMEP) who, using all available data, looked at possible causes of the mass crustacean mortality.
Unfortunately, as there were several possible contributory factors, they were unable to identify one clear and convincing cause, but a novel pathogen is considered the most likely.
You can read the report and access the evidence gathered here, as well as a statement from the Environment Secretary here.
