Samples of different fish species were obtained at different sites in the North Sea, Bank of HaIten and NW of the Faroe Islands and analysed by Ge/MS for selected hydrocarbons. Petrogenic contamination of different origin was observed in almost all samples. Tainting. by organoleptic analyses of cod. was not traced. INJRODUCIlQNUntil 1991. when discharge of oil based drilling muds (OBM) in the Norwegian sector was prohibited, OBM represented the major source of hydrocarbons to the North Sea from the petroleum activity in Norwegian waters [1. 2]. Concentrations up to 10 ()()() higher than background level have been recorded in surface sediments within distances of 3-5000m from some of the installations [3.4. 5].