[StBernard] NOAA reopens significant area of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational fishing

[Westley Annis]

NOAA reopens significant area of Gulf waters to commercial

and recreational fishing

 

NOAA reopened 4,281 square miles of Gulf waters off western Louisiana to
commercial and recreational fishing Friday. The reopening was announced
after consultation with FDA and under a re-opening protocol agreed to by
NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states. At its closest point, the area reopened
is about 185 miles west of the Deepwater/BP wellhead.  An updated map of
Fishery Closure Boundaries can be found here:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/images/FisheryClosureMap_082710_Ope
ning.jpg
<http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/images/FisheryClosureMap_082710_Op
ening.jpg> 

 

"Scientists, food safety experts, members of the fishing industry and local,
state, federal officials, are working together every day to ensure that
seafood from the Gulf is safe to eat," said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., Under
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "We
will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and test seafood in reopened
waters."

 

NOAA sampled the area in question for both shrimp and finfish, including
mackerel and snapper. NOAA reports that sensory analyses of 41 samples and
chemical analyses of 125 specimens were composited into 14 samples following
the methodology and procedures in the re-opening protocol. Sensory analysis
found no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of
chemical analysis were well below the levels of concern NOAA says.

 

"Because of our strict adherence to the reopening protocol agreed to by the
states and the federal government we have confidence that seafood harvested
from this area is free from harmful oil residues and can be enjoyed by
consumers around the nation," said Margaret Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of
the Food and Drug Administration.

 

NOAA says it will continue to test seafood from the newly re-opened area,
and the agency has also implemented dockside sampling to test fish caught
throughout the Gulf by commercial fishermen. To view the fact sheet released
today on the administration-wide effort to ensure Gulf seafood safety, click
here
<http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/external/content/document/2931/8865
23/1/gulf%20seafood_FINAL.pdf> .

 

NOAA says it will continue to work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and the Gulf states to ensure seafood safety.