Investigation into mystery Hartlepool crab deaths continues almost four months on

Inquiries into what caused the deaths of hundreds of crabs on the Hartlepool shore are ongoing.
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The Environment Agency has said that the investigation continues almost four months after the incident was first reported at the start of October last year.

Hundreds of dead crabs had been spotted on the beach at Seaton Carew with the figure going into the thousands once similar remains were discovered along the Teesside and North Yorkshire coastline.

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A number of possible causes have so far been ruled out, including chemical contamination and sewage and seismic activity.

A picture of a dead crab supplied by Mail reader Carl Clyne.A picture of a dead crab supplied by Mail reader Carl Clyne.
A picture of a dead crab supplied by Mail reader Carl Clyne.

The Environment Agency said that investigations are ongoing and Defra has taken on overall responsibility for the probe.

It said: “Investigations are ongoing. Defra has taken on overall responsibility for the investigation from the Environment Agency.

“The Environment Agency and our science advisors Cefas have undertaken extensive tests to try to determine the cause and are reviewing the evidence gathered since the start of this incident, as well as considering any additional work needed.

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"The Environment Agency have not identified any chemical contamination in the area that is likely to have caused the crab and lobster mortalities.”

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