No evidence of oil slicks in seaweed on Island beaches

Checks carried out in Douglas, Gansey and Port St Mary

A check of beaches at Douglas, Gansey and Port St Mary today has found no evidence of oil slicks or accumulations in seaweed.

The searches were carried out by officers from government's Environmental Protection Unit following reports of oily substances being washed up.

A sample of discoloured foam from Douglas beach, which appears to be consistent with  a description of weathered and emulsified oil, is being analysed.

It's hoped the process will establish if it's the residue from the spill reported several weeks ago off the coast of North Wales, or naturally occurring algae.

Anybody who witnesses oil on Manx shores should report the matter to environmentalprotection@gov.im or - in the case of contaminated wildlife - the Manx Wildlife Trust on 844432.