[StBernard] Nearly 3, 000 Square Miles in the Gulf of Mexico Reopened to Fishing

[Westley Annis]

Nearly 3,000 Square Miles in the Gulf of Mexico Reopened to Fishing

 

NOAA announced Tuesday that 2,927 square miles of Gulf waters off eastern
Louisiana, directly south and southwest of East Bay are being reopened to
commercial and recreational fishing. This is the eighth reopening in federal
waters since July 22.

 

"Today's reopening is great news for fishermen and the seafood industry in
Louisiana," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. "We look forward to
reopening more federal waters, as this provides greater access to commercial
and recreational activities, and continues to build consumer confidence in
Gulf seafood."

 

No oil or sheen has been documented in the area since July 31. NOAA began
sampling the area on July 28 and again August 21 through September 18 for
shrimp and finfish, including tuna, mahi mahi and red snapper. NOAA reports
that sensory analyses of the samples found no detectable oil or dispersant
odors or flavors, and results of chemical analysis for oil-related compounds
were well below the levels of concern.

 

NOAA says that it will continue to take samples for testing from the newly
reopened area.