The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reopened another 4,281 square miles of Gulf waters to commercial fishing yesterday.
The reopening according to NOAA came after consultation with the FDA and Gulf states. The NOAA moved to reopen the previously closed waters after sensory analyses (smelling the fish, and checking to see if they found any oil on the fish) of 41 samples and chemical analyses of 125 different marine species. Chemical testing on marine life forms checked for traces of oil and dispersant in the marine specimens. According to NOAA the chemical analysis was below the levels of concern the government sets. At its closest point, the area to be reopened is about 185 miles west of the Deepwater/BP wellhead. Fishermen targeting reef fish, menhaden and shrimp heavily fish the entire area. NOAA will continue to take samples for testing from the newly re-opened area, and the agency has also implemented dockside sampling to test fish caught throughout the Gulf by commercial fishermen. I personally find it amazing that the reopening of 4,281 square miles of contaminated Gulf waters rests on a sampling of 125 different marine life forms. Statistically that works out to a .03 percent sampling. An incredible low number that does not make me feel real secure in eating Gulf water fish. Besides the obvious desire on the part of the NOAA to resurrect a devastated economy, I find these actions to be highly irresponsible to the safety and well being of the general population. The Gulf needs more time to heal, and in the mean time the government should keep BP on the hook for bailing out the commercial interestsof the Gulf.
Photo Credit: John Vlahakis
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