The Scottish Government has continued to take action to determine the impact from the North Sea oil leak at the Shell Gannet F Subsea installation on the marine environment.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "As efforts continue by Shell to completely stop the leakage of oil from the affected pipeline, the Scottish Government is continuing to fulfil its role - which is primarily to assess and advise on the impact this spill may have on the marine environment. While dangers remain until the pipeline leak is secured, I am pleased that more information is being made publicly available about the progress Shell are making to remedy the situation as quickly and safely as possible. It is important this improved flow of information continues.
"Marine Scotland aircraft have supported surveillance work and the results of a preliminary study of bird populations in the area on Tuesday confirmed that there are very few birds in the vicinity of the oil leak. A second survey taking place this afternoon using a specialist plane will allow for a more in-depth analysis to be carried out.
"We are also undertaking monitoring work at sea within the affected area and as of 00.30 this morning Marine Scotland's vessel Scotia arrived in the area and began work to take onboard samples - including fish, sea water and sediment. The vessel is making good progress and we expect her operations to be concluded by Friday morning.
"Seabird surveys are also being undertaken to understand the risks to seabirds in the vicinity of the incident. This will allow us to consider the most appropriate management measures for protecting seabirds and the marine environment as a whole.
"Assessment of existing seabird data indicates that the current extent of the oil spill is not in an area of high seabird vulnerability. The spill is considered unlikely to significantly impact the populations of any seabird species."
A dedicated seabird aerial survey was undertaken on Tuesday this week. Four species of seabird were recorded within the survey area: gannet, fulmar and guillemot/razorbill, with the most abundant bird species being gannet. A further survey is underway. Work will continue overnight to enable the data being collected to be analysed. Statistical analysis of data is essential to enable a robust scientific understanding of the risks to seabirds and the data being collected will complement the existing historic data that has been used to assess the situation since the incident was first reported.
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