Fish around gas leak not tainted, tests show

A research vessel collected fish, water and sediment from the edge of the two-mile exclusion zone around Total’s Elgin platform over the weekend.

The first stage of testing of the fish samples involved a panel of specially trained sensory testers at Marine Scotland Science in Aberdeen, who can detect the taint of hydrocarbon contamination.

They concluded that the samples contained no trace of hydrocarbons. However, full chemical testing of all environmental samples is being carried out, with initial results expected this week.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “The environmental impact of this gas leak has been minimal so far. However, it’s important we take precautions and analyse all available data. Therefore, it’s reassuring that sensory testing of the fish samples gathered by the Alba na Mara have found they are untainted by hydrocarbons.”