NOAA reopens 5,144 square miles of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational finfish fishing.

[DCBob]

from NOAA Press Release..

Today NOAA reopened 5,144 square miles of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational finfish fishing. The reopening was announced after consultation with FDA and under a re-opening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states.

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."

more: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/855051/

This is good news to me but I guess many skeptics still wont believe it. Not sure what more they require to finally admit the Gulf is not forever destroyed.

[Lint Head]

1. Where is the transparency of scientific evidence that the fish are not poisionous

to humans if consumed? We will know in due time. In the mean time the BP corporation owns us and we can do nothing. Keep kidding yourself and look at the world through rose colored glasses as corporate fascism eats this country alive. More and more scientists are saying we are being lied to.

[DCBob]

2. Not sure about the "more and more scientists" comment.. I have only heard a few.

Most are saying the situation is rapidly improving.

[SpartanDem]

3. Map of the area

not surprised the areas in LA and MS closest to the spill are still closed.

[DCBob]

4. Thanks for the map.. I hadnt seen that..

still quite a large area closed.

[jpak]

9. Yeah a large fraction of the GOM is still is closed to fishing

yup

[Goldstein1984]

5. Time and science, not captured federal agencies, will tell.

[Scurrilous]

6. Good news.

:thumbsup:

[CreekDog]

7. Who wants their kids eating shellfish caught in this area today?

who's first???

[bdamomma]

8. they really think people are stupid.

damn

[truebrit71]

10. YAY!!! It's safe to go back in the water!! Thank you BP!

:eyes::puke:

What a steaming pile of horseshit this is...