FOR:  TALISMAN ENERGY INC.
 
TSX, NYSE SYMBOL:  TLM
 
August 21, 2003
 
Talisman North Sea Exploration Well Tests at 8,100 bbls/d
 
CALGARY, ALBERTA--Talisman Energy (UK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Talisman Energy Inc., has made a new oil
discovery in Block 15/16a of the UK North Sea, adjacent to the Talisman operated Tartan platform.
 
The TNT-B exploration prospect, which lies entirely within Talisman 100% owned acreage, was successfully tested with an
exploration well drilled with the Ocean Princess semi-submersible rig. The well discovered a 302-foot oil column in
Jurassic aged Piper sandstones, with porosities of the oil-bearing sands averaging 14%.
 
The well was tested and flowed at rates to 8,100 bbls/d at a 48/64-inch choke with 1,535 psi tubing head pressure and
was constrained by surface testing equipment. The well has been completed as a future subsea producer via a single well
tie-back to the Tartan platform, with first production expected in the second half of next year.
 
"This excellent result from Talisman's latest exploration well reinforces the continuing potential of our North Sea
portfolio and the success of our integrated core area strategy," said Dr. Jim Buckee, President and Chief Executive
Officer.
 
Talisman holds a 100% interest in the 15/16a licence Block, which contains the Tartan field and the discovery well.
 
Talisman Energy Inc. is a large, independent oil and gas producer, with operations in Canada and, through its
subsidiaries, the North Sea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Algeria and the United States. Talisman's subsidiaries also
conduct business in Trinidad, Colombia and Qatar. Talisman has adopted the International Code of Ethics for Canadian
Business and is committed to maintaining high standards of excellence in corporate citizenship and social
responsibility wherever its business is conducted. Talisman's shares are listed on Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and
New York Stock Exchange in the United States under the symbol TLM.
 
Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the US
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including business plans for production. Forward-looking statements
are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which
could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are
not limited to: the risks of the oil and gas industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for, developing and
producing crude oil and natural gas; risks and uncertainties involving geology of oil and gas deposits; the uncertainty
of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses
and the success of exploration and development projects; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to
exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; and health, safety and environmental risks); uncertainties
as to the availability and cost of financing; fluctuations in oil and gas prices and foreign currency exchange rates;
and the possibility that government policies may change or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld.
Additional information on these and other factors which could affect the Company's operations or financial results are
included in the Company's other reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of the Company's
management at the time the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements
should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.
 
 
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
 
Talisman Energy Inc.
David Mann, Senior Manager,
Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
(403) 237-1196
(403) 237-1210 (FAX)
Email: tlm@talisman-energy.com
Website: www.talisman-energy.com