Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 25 February 2022 to Question 127313, on Marine Environment: North East, how many further mass deaths of aquatic life have been recorded in the same region since that date, when he plans to publish detailed results of that investigation; and if he will make a statement.

Pursuant to my Answer of 25 February 2022 to Question 127313, I can confirm that following a multi-agency response, our report of the investigation has been published, and is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-agency-investigation-into-teesside-and-yorkshire-coast-crab-and-lobster-mortalities.

No single, consistent causative factor was identified, but a harmful algal bloom present in the area coincident with the event was considered significant and identified as the most likely cause.

Defra is continuing to work closely with authorities including those in the North East to continue to monitor the situation. Local reports of new, recent incidents are being investigated and the situation is being carefully monitored.