Poole Harbour oil spill: Concerns for shellfish producers as sales halt
There are fears of possible contamination following the incident
Last updated 1st Apr 2023
Shellfish producers in Poole Harbour are warning they'll suffer financially after being told to halt sales.
It's because of concerns about possible contamination from a pipeline oil leak last Sunday (26th March).
Pete Miles from Dorset Oysters in Poole says it's another challenge for them:
"We're the eternal optimists, we have to put up with tonnes and tonnes of sewage going into the harbour every week, every month - this is what we're up against. This is a major incident, but for us we've got to combat an awful lot of things to keep going."
Since the spill, 100,000 litres of oil mixed with water has now been recovered from Poole Harbour as the clean-up continues.
2 tons of contaminated sediment has also been removed.
People are still being asked not to go into the water and avoid using the beaches until further notice.
Pete Miles from Dorset Oysters in Poole says he can rely on suppliers elsewhere:
"We've got an arrangement with Jersey so we can keep out normal oyster supplies going. Clam wise, we're not in the full season - if it was, that would have really hurt us. The overall problem is the harbour in general, the public just don't like this and it doesn't give them confidence with shellfish or any product really."
Perenco, which owns the Wytch Farm oil field where the spill originated, says an investigation's underway, with operations currently suspended.
Franck Dy, Perenco UK’s Wytch Farm General Manager, said:
“The spill remains contained with four floating barriers in place and clean-up operations are progressing well with approximately 60% of the estimated discharged oil now having been recovered.
"Perenco is working as fast as possible to return the area affected to its original state.
"The location of the leak has been identified but the cause of the leak continues to be investigated by Perenco UK in close consultation with the Environment Agency and the local authorities. After the investigation, we will take on board any lessons that will prevent another discharge into this sensitive area.
"The integrity of the Wytch Farm infrastructure undergoes regular inspection with a complete and thorough survey of this pipeline completed less than ten months ago. Operations at Wytch Farm remain temporarily suspended.”