North Yorkshire Council calls for public inquiry into mass shellfish die-off
An independent report said the cause was likely down to a new pathogen in UK waters, but fishermen have blamed it on dredging
North Yorkshire Council has called on the Government to set up a public inquiry into the mass die-off of shellfish around Whitby and Scarborough.
Thousands of crabs and lobsters began washing up on beaches in 2021, with fishermen saying it has devastated their catch numbers.
The Government commissioned an independent report following the deaths, which found they were likely down to a new pathogen in UK waters.
But that has been contested by fishermen, who commissioned their own report from nearby universities, which they say detected chemicals released by dredging in the water.
Councillors on the newly formed North Yorkshire authority have today backed a motion calling on environment secretary Therese Coffey to call a public inquiry.
They say it would allow: "powers to compel testimony and the release of all forms of evidence in order to address public concern about this issue."