Charles White, co founder of the Sons of Neptune marine conservation and campaigning organisation had claimed the discharge was 'a danger'. Yorkshire Water, which is responsible for sewage disposal, said a replacement storm pump weighing two tonnes had been brought from Essex and put in place overnight because the old one was irreparable. The problem did affect the new shellfish holding facility on the fish quay although it is not thought to be serious.

The commercial fishing fleet at Whitby Harbour consists of a mixed variety of vessels and fisheries ranging from large white fish trawlers to smaller day-fishing shellfish vessels. Whitby also has a modern refrigerated fish market nearby where regular weekday auctions are held.

Charles White told reporters that he was very concerned about the spillage. The campaigner said his organisation had fought a long battle to clean up beaches and the sea. He said the process of effluent being discharged into the harbour should be dealt with as a 'matter of urgency'. 'It's a danger to human life, a danger to marine fish life and to future life.'

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