Gulf Waters Begin Reopening for Commercial Fishing

Over the last several days, FDA has begun releasing statements by Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, on the reopening of various Gulf of Mexico waters to commercial fishing. Included in the announcements were FDA support statements for:

• the state of Louisiana as it reopens state waters to commercial fishing that span from the Mississippi River Delta to the Mississippi state line.
• the state of Florida as it reopens state waters off Pensacola to commercial fishing.
• the state of Mississippi as it reopens state waters in the Mississippi Sound, from the mainland to the barrier islands, to commercial fishing.

Hamburg’s statement for each reopening stated, “Through close coordination with our state and federal partners, we are confident all appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that seafood harvested from the waters being opened today is safe and that Gulf seafood lovers everywhere can be confident eating and enjoying the fish and shrimp that will be coming out of this area.”

In addition, she noted that she had heard first-hand from commercial fishermen and seafood processors about not only the importance of getting back to their livelihoods, but also their commitment to protecting the health of their customers and making sure consumers have the most up-to-date and accurate information available.

The FDA is supporting the states in the reopenings "because it is clear that all the proper protocol and methods were followed," Hamburg said, adding, "We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners in all of the Gulf states to reopen affected waters as quickly and safely as possible."