Panana City Beach Real Estate | Re-opening of fishery closure areas in the Gulf

Posted on July 22, 2010
Filed Under Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Local Panama City Florida news | 4 Comments

Here’s a recent update on Fishery openings – Thanks Kathy…

Today, NOAA is announcing that it will re-open 26,388 square miles of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational fishing in the southeastern portion of the closed area. This reopening, a third of the overall closed area, is being announced after consultation with FDA and under a re-opening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states. The reopening of these areas will be effective beginning 6pm ET today.

Since mid-June, NOAA data have shown no oil in the area, and United States Coast Guard observers flying over the area in last 30 days have also not observed any oil. Additionally, trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil, and fish caught in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of contamination.

Between June 23 and July 5, NOAA collected samples of fish, including grouper, snapper, tuna, and mahi mahi from the area where the heaviest fishing will take place. Sensory and chemical testing following the methodology and procedures in the re-opening protocol showed no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and the results of chemical analysis were well below the levels of concern.

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.

NOAA will continue to evaluate the need for fisheries closures based on the evolving nature of the spill and will re-open closed areas as appropriate.

A map with the location of the re-opened areas is attached and can be found after the area is re-opened today at 6pm EST at Fishery Re-openings

Owners, put my technology to work for you. If you are interested in selling your home or condo, contact me today (850) 774-6582 for a free no obligation Home value report.

Buyers, when you’re ready to purchase a Panama City Beach Gulf or Bay front condo for your vacation home, contact me directly (850) 774-6582 for the latest information and pricing on any of the Panama City Beach condos for sale.

Jennifer Mackay
850-774-6582
Florida Real Estate | Panama City

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Author : Jennifer Mackay - Posts:284

Jennifer Mackay is an award winning real estate agent and Keller Williams team leader in the Panama City Florida area. Her website: Panama City Real Estate provides guidance, information and free buying and purchasing features for registered visitors. Follow: @realtorjennifer | Facebook

Comments

4 Responses to “Panana City Beach Real Estate | Re-opening of fishery closure areas in the Gulf”

Alex Cortez on July 22nd, 2010 9:40 pm

Jennifer, do you think this is premature or has it been thought out properly? From a local Realtor’s perspective, how much do you think this catastrophe has caused the local real estate industry?
MN Homes for Sale on July 22nd, 2010 11:28 pm

Jennifer…

Have the estuaries been hit by the oil along your part of the coast?

In Minnesota, we are hearing that the loon population will be down by 90% because of the spill.
Jennifer Mackay on July 27th, 2010 10:39 am

Alex,

We’ve had quite a few cancellations due to the spill, so I’m 100% positive it has negatively affected our business. As for pre-mature? I’m not an expert so I will take their word that it is safe.

Thanks as always for stopping by.
Jennifer Mackay on July 27th, 2010 10:41 am

Not sure about the estuaries as I’m not that up on the fishing industry, nor have I heard much about the Loon population. I can tell you that great effort is going towards saving the turtles (who lay eggs on our beaches) and the pelicans.

Thanks for stopping by.