The Environment Agency initiated an investigation, which was taken over by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) from December 2021 onwards. Several other agencies took on parts of the investigation, culminating in the publication of a joint report.
Defra claims the deaths were caused by a natural algal bloom. A North East Fishing Collective Study, however, suggests that pyridine in the water and sediments could have killed the crustaceans. The RSPB and others suggest that dredging is to blame.
A hearing took place on 25 October to compile information from various witnesses. Committee chair Sir Robert Goodwill has suggested that more research should be done. Sir Goodwill plans to contact Defra to suggest that they obtain more evidence via scientific sampling from the River Tees.
One committee attendee of note to Newcastle students is Newcastle University professor Dr. Gary Caldwell. Dr. Caldwell is a Senior Lecturer in Newcastle University's School of National and Environmental Sciences. He said: 'If we can work alongside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs agencies, with the power of the universities, with the power of the independent research, it is a really good thing to do'.
