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Key role of fish 'taste tests' following North Sea oil leak.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead was shown today how the taste testing of fish samples has been critical to enable scientists to quickly establish that there were no health concerns, following the recent oil leak at the Shell Gannet platform.
Scientists have completed their analysis of fish, sediment and water samples collected from the vicinity of the oil leak and concluded that hydrocarbon concentrations are within safe limits, typical of the North Sea.
The Marine Scotland Science facilities in Aberdeen have the UK's only specially trained panel of sensory taste testers, able to detect crude oil levels in fish samples. This technique has been used to complement the latest analytical methods available.
Mr Lochhead will also be updated on the progress made following the Shell Gannet spill, through a meeting at the Marine Laboratory with Hugh Shaw, the Secretary of State’s Representative (SOSREP) appointed to oversee the response to any significant UK maritime incident.
As he visited the Marine Laboratory and met with staff, Mr Lochhead said:
"Marine Scotland Science uses the latest methods and technology to measure pollution levels, but sometimes the sensitivity of the human tongue can prove a more effective and efficient indicator than the most high-tech equipment. It's impressive that these taste testers can assess so accurately and consistently for the presence of oil in the fish samples – and this has supported very fast initial results.
"I would like to thank all the Marine Scotland staff who did such sterling work during and after the Gannet incident. This presented many challenges, but the co-ordinated response and specialist staff on-site in Aberdeen has helped us deal with the issues as quickly as possible.
"We were able to get the Fisheries Research Vessel Scotia in place as quickly as possible, to collect samples of fish, sediment and seawater. I'm pleased that we now have the all clear – with results showing concentrations of hydrocarbons are low and within safe limits.
"When an oil spill occurs it's vital that we carry out our responsibilities to assess the impact on our valuable marine environment and take action to minimise any effects. As Shell decide on their options for the safe removal of the oil that remains in the pipeline, the Scottish Government will continue to take any necessary steps to protect the environment.
"Of course, determining the impact of the oil leak on birdlife has been a priority for us also, and we supported aerial surveys of the area for this purpose. While the effects of this spill on birds have been minimal, the gathering of data on seabirds will improve our understanding of their seasonal vulnerability, in the event of future incidents like this."
Background
Further information about the sensory testing process is available here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/295194/0099721.pdf
In the event of an oil spill, the Marine Scotland Science laboratory in Aberdeen is the designated UK facility for sensory assessment of fish and shellfish. A panel of trained assessors, chosen for their ability to recognise oil taint in fish, taste the fish to assess whether or not it has been affected by oil pollution. Training is carried out using rainbow trout which have been exposed to crude oil for up to four hours. Chemical analysis is also carried out on samples at the laboratory.
Marine Scotland heads up the Environment Group and in turn is represented on the Operations Control Unit, both established by the Secretary of State's Representative (SOSREP). The Operations Control Unit includes representatives from Shell, UK Government departments, including the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Maritime Coastguard Agency and Marine Scotland.
Contact
Marion MacKay: 0131 244 2560 / 07771 555 600
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