More than 26,000 Miles of Gulf Waters Open Again for Fishing

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Thursday that, with no oil in the area having been spotted for the last 30 days, they were reopening more than 26,000 miles to fishing. Most of the newly reopened area is southeast of the Deepwater Horizon spill off the coast of Florida -- between 190-220 miles away from where the spill originated.

Todays decision is good news for Gulf fishermen and American consumers, said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. Following the best science for this reopening provides important assurance to the American people that the seafood they buy is safe, and protects the Gulf seafood brand and the many people who depend on it for their livelihoods.

After consulting with the Food and Drug Administration, the NOAA found no signs of contaminationto fish caught in the area between June 23 and July 5.

NOAA is working to protect public safety while minimizing harm to the fishing industry, said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, under-secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. We are confident that seafood caught in this area is, and will continue to be, free from contamination.