As work on the relief well nears it's end, news about fishing in the Gulf of Mexico continues to be more positive.
Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association reopened 5,114 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico to anglers in the Florida Panhandle region.
From the official NOAA Release:
Since July 3, NOAA data have shown no oil in the area, and United
States Coast Guard observers flying over the area in the last 30 days
have also not observed any oil. Trajectory models show the area is at a
low risk for future exposure to oil and, most importantly, fish caught
in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of
contamination.
“Consumer safety is NOAA’s primary concern, which is why we
developed rigorous safety standards in conjunction with the FDA and the
Gulf states to ensure that seafood is safe in the reopened area,” said
Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and
atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “We are confident that Gulf fish from
this area is safe to eat and pleased that recreational and commercial
fisherman can fish these waters again.”
At its closest point, the area to be reopened is about 115 miles northeast of the Deepwater/BP wellhead.
From June 27 through July 20, NOAA sampled 153 finfish, including
grouper, snapper, tuna and mahi mahi, from the area. Sensory and
chemical testing of these finfish followed the methodology and
procedures in the re-opening protocol, with sensory analysis finding no
detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of chemical
analysis well below the levels of concern.
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