NOAA Closes Fishing in Oil-Affected Portion of Gulf of Mexico

Mindful of Fishermen, NOAA Closes Fishing in Oil-Affected Portion of Gulf of Mexico 

In response to last week’s BP oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is restricting both commercial and recreational fishing for a minimum of ten days in the most affected federal waters, largely those between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay. As concerns sound from fishermen across the Gulf region, Rob Kramer, president of the International Game Fish Association, addressed NOAA’s efforts to contain the damage of the disaster:

"After speaking with NOAA officials, it is clear they are sensitive to the impacts this closure will have on recreational fishermen in the affected region and they are working to make sure the area is opened back as soon as conditions are safe. The vast majority of the Gulf of Mexico remains open to recreational fishing and by closely monitoring this unprecedented event and communicating the facts accurately we can further reduce the impacts on our industry."

As anglers in Gulf coast communities and around the world eye containment strategies warily, Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke assures fishermen that their livelihood is of utmost importance to federal managers. “We stand with America's fisherman, their families and businesses in impacted coastal communities during this very challenging time,” he said. “Fishing is vital to our economy and our quality of life and we will work tirelessly protect to it."

The closure is effective immediately, and details can be found at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

NOAA has announced a restriction on all fishing in the oil-affected area of the Gulf of Mexico for the next ten days.