Fish in Pukaviksbukten, Sölvesborg, Sweden, are safe to eat despite an oil spill from the ship Marco Polo in autumn 2023, according to a new investigation by IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet commissioned by Sölvesborg municipality. The study analyzed flounder, a bottom-dwelling flatfish that serves as an indicator of environmental conditions in the bay. Results show that five of six samples had no measurable levels of oil-related substances, and one sample had a very low level far below risk thresholds.
This means the fish can be eaten as part of a normal and varied diet, in line with the Swedish Food Agency's advice. Kith Mårtensson, a municipal councilor in Sölvesborg, said the positive news is very welcome and will reassure residents and fishers who have been concerned since the grounding.
the positive news is very welcome and will reassure residents and fishers who have been concerned since the grounding