Latest tests reveal no contamination of fish near North Sea gas leak

Tests on fish caught close to the site of a North Sea gas leak have revealed they have not been contaminated.

Chemical analysis of the samples collected near Total's Elgin platform show they have not been contaminated with hydrocarbons.

A taste test of the fish had already indicated that the sea life may not have been affected, which has been confirmed by the test results announced on Tuesday.

Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "All of the chemical and sensory testing work carried out by Marine Scotland on the effects on the marine environment of the leak has now concluded that there is no direct impact.

"Chemical testing of fish samples have found no evidence of contamination, which is of course reassuring.

"It’s also encouraging that Total has confirmed that the gas leak has significantly slowed. I remain hopeful that this incident can be resolved as safely and quickly as possible, with the environmental impact minimised.

"However, we remain vigilant and will continue to carry out monitoring work. As such new sampling work, from within the two-mile exclusion zone and at the sites previously sampled, will be undertaken by Marine Scotland in co-operation with Total at the earliest opportunity."

Water and sediment analysis from the same area has also found no direct impact from the North Sea leak.

Gas continues to leak from below the Elgin platform, a site 150 miles from Aberdeen.

The French oil giant is preparing two separate methods for stemming the leak - a well-kill operation and a relief well.

A team of experts, led by the Scottish Government, launched the marine research vessel Alba na Mara on April 7 to collect samples from outside the exclusion zone.

Chemical testing of the fish included looking for aliphatic hydrocarbons and polyaromic hydrocarbons.

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