A probe into thousands of crab deaths is considering whether possible seismic activity and issues connected to wind turbines could be connected to the cause of death.
One of the government agencies investigating the occurrence has told Teesside Live both are being looked at as the strange occurrence continues to be scrutinized.
In recent weeks thousands of crabs have been washing up along the North East coast, at beaches including Seaham, Saltburn and Seaton Carew.
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The Environment Agency, DEFRA and CEFAS - the government's marine and freshwater science experts - launched an investigation to find out the reasons why after the issue was raised in the House of Commons by Redcar MP Jacob Young.
The results are expected to come through later this week.
The Environment Agency part of the probe is investigating whether pollution might be to blame.
Meanwhile, DEFRA told Teesside Live the Marine Management Organisation is also investigating other possible causes such as seismic activity and wind turbines and investigations are still ongoing.
The MMO would not speculate further: "We are unable to speculate on causes while investigations remain ongoing," said a spokesman.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "We are working with partners at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture, North Eastern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority and the Marine Management Organisation to investigate why hundreds of dead crabs have washed up along the shore in the Tees Estuary and neighbouring beaches.
"Samples of water, sediment, mussel and crab have been collected and are being sent to our labs for analysis, to consider whether a pollution incident could have contributed to the deaths of the animals.
"We have also shared samples with Cefas labs for disease analysis.
"If you are aware of pollution affecting wildlife, please report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060."
