TANKERS whose crews are illegally flushing oil out in the open sea are
the most likely cause of dozens of oiled seabirds being washed ashore on
the Western Isles, according to an offshore expert.
In recent weeks birds including guillemots, gannets, and kittiwakes
have been affected by oil pollution off the island of Lewis and North
Uist.
The most serious incident occurred last week when the fishing vessel
St Kilda reported large numbers of birds floating, badly oiled, off the
Butt of Lewis.
A spotter plane from the marine pollution control unit was sent over
the area but discovered no signs of an oil slick.
Mr Andy Webb, of the Nature Conservancy Council's Seabirds at Sea
team, said such incidents on the west coast were not uncommon, and
claimed it was most likely that an oil tanker flushing out its tanks was
the reason for the recent spate of oiled birds.
He said most tankers in the area travelled either to or from the giant
Sullom Voe oil terminal in Shetland where proper oil flushing facilities
are provided.
Mr Webb called for tougher legislation to be introduced to clamp down
on the practice.
Environment Secretary Mr Chris Patten, at the recent North Sea
conference in The Hague, promised stricter monitoring of shipping lanes
to attempt to reduce such illegal activity.
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