The National Association of Charter Boat Operators has issued the following press release.
Orange Beach, AL- The area closed to fishing is in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the east coast of LA, coast of MS, and approximately 25 miles outside AL state waters. FL state waters extend 9 miles from the coast and the EEZ closure begins approximately 25 miles off the coast of FL and extends southwest into the gulf. The area closed is directly affected by the spill but all other areas of the EEZ are open. FL state waters are open as well as AL state waters and some MS state waters. LA state waters west of the spill, all TX state waters, all FL state waters south through the FL Keys and all other areas of the EEZ are open for all fishing except for normal seasonal fishery closures.
Fishing is a lifestyle that will survive this disaster and cooperative efforts between NOAA and fishermen will help save this lifestyle.
We plead with all media organizations to spread the word of the open areas to fishing as this will help with lessening the social and economic impacts that this disaster will produce. The NOAA officials have pledged to continuously monitor the spill area and to only issue fishery closures as a result of the spill for limited periods and rolling areas. This should help to keep some fishermen working and help to ease the economic losses.
NACO will be producing constant updates on the fishery closures to help inform the public of areas where fishing will be available. We encourage all fishermen and those families seeking vacations along coastal areas to keep apprised of locations where there is no impact from the BP oil spill. Most of the coastal areas are unaffected by the spill so families and fishermen can continue to enjoy their vacation activities.