Independent investigation into shellfish deaths begins
A panel of 11 organisations will look into the deaths of thousands of shellfish off the Yorkshire coast
The Enviroment Secretary has confirmed an independent investigation into the deaths of thousands of shellfish off the Yorkshire Coast will involved 11 organisations.
The panel has been set up after members of the fishing industry complained of a lack of transparency around Government reports.
The Enviroment Agency had blamed the deaths on algal blooms, but the fishing community claimed it was down to chemicals released by dredging in the River Tees.
Those claims were backed up in a study led by Newcastle University, prompting the Government to announce a fresh investigation.
In a letter to Scarborough and Whitby MP Sir Robert Goodwill, Enviroment Secretary Therese Coffey said: "The identities of the panel members have not been madepublic yet to enable them to assess the scientific evidence without pressure or influence from interested parties.
"Names and affiliations of members will be released when the report of the panel is published."
The report is expected later this month.