Ken Feinberg is returning to Alabama on Saturday, August 21, to explain more about the changes and expectations for the Gulf Coast Claims Facilities (GCCF).
Feinberg will be at the Orange Beach Rec Center from 6:45 - 7:45 a.m., and will then be at Gulf Shores High School from 8-9a.m.
He will explain the details and nuances of how the claims process is evolving under the GCCF, and what area residents need to know to rapidly and efficiently file their claims once he takes over on August 23rd.
Gulf Coast Claims Facility officials are to be available to meet and offer assistance to citizens after Feinberg departs.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Gov. Charlie Crist Comments On Reopening Of Fishing Waters
Statement by
GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST
Regarding the Reopening of Additional Federal Waters to Fishing
“As the Deepwater Horizon spill is being capped and the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico reduced, I have been working with NOAA to re-open closed fishing waters. Last week, federal waters off the coast of Pensacola were re-opened and the announcement today further lifts the fishing restrictions. The federal waters off beautiful Northwest Florida are once again open for fishing, and Florida’s commercial and recreational fishermen are eager to get back to work. I join them in celebrating this much-needed boost to our economy and quality of life. We invite traveling Floridians, as well as visitors from around the nation and the world, to come and fish, explore our beautiful beaches and enjoy Florida’s delicious seafood."
Statement by
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN RODNEY BARRETO
Regarding the Reopening of Additional Federal Waters to Fishing
“The re-opening of these federal waters comes as great news to Florida anglers and coastal communities impacted by the Deepwater oil spill. This action by our federal partners is one more step forward in helping our fishing communities recover from this unprecedented event,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Both the water and fish have been thoroughly tested and Florida’s seafood is certified good to eat and great tasting.”
GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST
Regarding the Reopening of Additional Federal Waters to Fishing
“As the Deepwater Horizon spill is being capped and the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico reduced, I have been working with NOAA to re-open closed fishing waters. Last week, federal waters off the coast of Pensacola were re-opened and the announcement today further lifts the fishing restrictions. The federal waters off beautiful Northwest Florida are once again open for fishing, and Florida’s commercial and recreational fishermen are eager to get back to work. I join them in celebrating this much-needed boost to our economy and quality of life. We invite traveling Floridians, as well as visitors from around the nation and the world, to come and fish, explore our beautiful beaches and enjoy Florida’s delicious seafood."
Statement by
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN RODNEY BARRETO
Regarding the Reopening of Additional Federal Waters to Fishing
“The re-opening of these federal waters comes as great news to Florida anglers and coastal communities impacted by the Deepwater oil spill. This action by our federal partners is one more step forward in helping our fishing communities recover from this unprecedented event,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Both the water and fish have been thoroughly tested and Florida’s seafood is certified good to eat and great tasting.”
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
NOAA Reopens 5,000+ Square Miles Of Fishing Area
NOAA Reopens More than 5,000 Square Miles of Closed Gulf Fishing Area
No oil has been observed for 30 days in area to be re-opened for fishing
Today NOAA reopened 5,144 square miles of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational finfish fishing. The reopening was announced after consultation with FDA and under a re-opening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states.
Since July 3, NOAA data have shown no oil in the area, and United States Coast Guard observers flying over the area in the last 30 days have also not observed any oil. Trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil and, most importantly, fish caught in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of contamination.
“Consumer safety is NOAA’s primary concern, which is why we developed rigorous safety standards in conjunction with the FDA and the Gulf states to ensure that seafood is safe in the reopened area,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “We are confident that Gulf fish from this area is safe to eat and pleased that recreational and commercial fisherman can fish these waters again.”
At its closest point, the area to be reopened is about 115 miles northeast of the Deepwater/BP wellhead.
From June 27 through July 20, NOAA sampled 153 finfish, including grouper, snapper, tuna and mahi mahi, from the area. Sensory and chemical testing of these finfish followed the methodology and procedures in the re-opening protocol, with sensory analysis finding no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of chemical analysis well below the levels of concern.
”We know how important it is to the culture and economy of this region to get back out on the water and be able to once again harvest the seafood that the Gulf is famous for,” said Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, commissioner of food and drugs. “But our top priority in the wake of this disaster must be the safety of the fish that makes it to market. We are confident that the proper processes have been followed, and that consumers can feel good once again serving their families seafood from these waters.”
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.
Fishing closures remain the first line of defense to prevent contaminated seafood from entering the marketplace. NOAA continues to work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Gulf states to ensure seafood safety. NOAA and FDA are working together on broad-scale seafood sampling that includes sampling seafood from inside and outside the closure area, as well as dockside and market-based sampling.
The closed area now covers 52,395 miles, or 22 percent of the federal waters in the Gulf, down from 37 percent at its height. On July 22, NOAA reopened 26,388 square miles of Gulf waters off of the Florida Peninsula.
No oil has been observed for 30 days in area to be re-opened for fishing
Today NOAA reopened 5,144 square miles of Gulf waters to commercial and recreational finfish fishing. The reopening was announced after consultation with FDA and under a re-opening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA, and the Gulf states.
Since July 3, NOAA data have shown no oil in the area, and United States Coast Guard observers flying over the area in the last 30 days have also not observed any oil. Trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil and, most importantly, fish caught in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of contamination.
“Consumer safety is NOAA’s primary concern, which is why we developed rigorous safety standards in conjunction with the FDA and the Gulf states to ensure that seafood is safe in the reopened area,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “We are confident that Gulf fish from this area is safe to eat and pleased that recreational and commercial fisherman can fish these waters again.”
At its closest point, the area to be reopened is about 115 miles northeast of the Deepwater/BP wellhead.
From June 27 through July 20, NOAA sampled 153 finfish, including grouper, snapper, tuna and mahi mahi, from the area. Sensory and chemical testing of these finfish followed the methodology and procedures in the re-opening protocol, with sensory analysis finding no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of chemical analysis well below the levels of concern.
”We know how important it is to the culture and economy of this region to get back out on the water and be able to once again harvest the seafood that the Gulf is famous for,” said Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, commissioner of food and drugs. “But our top priority in the wake of this disaster must be the safety of the fish that makes it to market. We are confident that the proper processes have been followed, and that consumers can feel good once again serving their families seafood from these waters.”
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.
Fishing closures remain the first line of defense to prevent contaminated seafood from entering the marketplace. NOAA continues to work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Gulf states to ensure seafood safety. NOAA and FDA are working together on broad-scale seafood sampling that includes sampling seafood from inside and outside the closure area, as well as dockside and market-based sampling.
The closed area now covers 52,395 miles, or 22 percent of the federal waters in the Gulf, down from 37 percent at its height. On July 22, NOAA reopened 26,388 square miles of Gulf waters off of the Florida Peninsula.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sea Lab Directory Says Local Seafood Is Safe
Mobile, AL - Area residents and visitors to Mobile Bay, Alabama have always been treated to some of the finest Gulf Seafood there is. Nowadays, it seems that a well publicized public misperception of that seafood is endangering the livelihoods of hard-working fishermen, seafood processors, restaurateurs, cooks and servers. The one fact that folks can believe in is that the seafood being served in area restaurants and on shelves in stores is as safe and delicious as it ever was.
The Alabama Department of Public Health says “Any fish available for commercial sale, for example, fish in grocery stores, comes from non-contaminated waters. Contaminated fish and seafood will not be allowed on the market by regulatory agencies.”
The Food and Drug Administration says “There is no reason to believe that any contaminated product has made its way to the market…The FDA oversees a mandatory safety program for all fish and fishery products under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, The Public Health Service Act, and related regulations.”
Dr. George Crozier, Executive Director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab says, “Bioaccumulation takes months and years to reach unhealthy levels, so Gulf Seafood is quite safe to eat for some time. The public can be assured that there is extensive testing to ensure seafood safety and there will be an abundance of caution.”
“We want to get the word out that seafood is safe to eat and that this perpetuated misconception is hurting neighbors and regular folks that are Alabama’s seafood industry,” says Bob Omainsky, President of the Mobile Chapter of the Alabama Restaurant Association. “We are more closely monitored and inspected than we ever have been in the past, and are fully confident that our product is safe – not to mention delicious. When I hear folks say that Gulf Seafood isn’t safe to eat, it just tears my heart out. I don’t know where everyone’s getting this incorrect information.”
The Alabama Department of Public Health says “Any fish available for commercial sale, for example, fish in grocery stores, comes from non-contaminated waters. Contaminated fish and seafood will not be allowed on the market by regulatory agencies.”
The Food and Drug Administration says “There is no reason to believe that any contaminated product has made its way to the market…The FDA oversees a mandatory safety program for all fish and fishery products under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, The Public Health Service Act, and related regulations.”
Dr. George Crozier, Executive Director of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab says, “Bioaccumulation takes months and years to reach unhealthy levels, so Gulf Seafood is quite safe to eat for some time. The public can be assured that there is extensive testing to ensure seafood safety and there will be an abundance of caution.”
“We want to get the word out that seafood is safe to eat and that this perpetuated misconception is hurting neighbors and regular folks that are Alabama’s seafood industry,” says Bob Omainsky, President of the Mobile Chapter of the Alabama Restaurant Association. “We are more closely monitored and inspected than we ever have been in the past, and are fully confident that our product is safe – not to mention delicious. When I hear folks say that Gulf Seafood isn’t safe to eat, it just tears my heart out. I don’t know where everyone’s getting this incorrect information.”
Monday, August 2, 2010
Long-Term Gulf Coast Restoration Plan
President Obama charged Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus with developing a long-term Gulf Coast Restoration Plan.
To help develop that plan, Secretary Mabus wants to hear from Gulf Coast residents, so he will be holding town hall meetings across the Gulf Coast next week.
There will be two town halls in Alabama, both held on Monday, 2nd of August 2010.
The first town hall will be held at Noon in Theodore at the Nan Gray Davis Elementary School Gymnasium, 6900 Nan Gray Davis Road, Theodore, AL 36582.
The second town hall will be held at 6pm in Robertsdale at the Robertsdale Elementary School Auditorium, 19150 Wilters Street, Robertsdale, AL 36567.
The meetings are open to the public and media, and will provide residents an opportunity to discuss long-term economic and environmental restoration ideas with the Secretary.
We hope you are able to attend one of the town halls. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone you think may be interested in attending.
Thank you and have a great day!
Veronica M. Valdez
Special Assistant
U.S. Department of the Navy
(703)946-1657
To help develop that plan, Secretary Mabus wants to hear from Gulf Coast residents, so he will be holding town hall meetings across the Gulf Coast next week.
There will be two town halls in Alabama, both held on Monday, 2nd of August 2010.
The first town hall will be held at Noon in Theodore at the Nan Gray Davis Elementary School Gymnasium, 6900 Nan Gray Davis Road, Theodore, AL 36582.
The second town hall will be held at 6pm in Robertsdale at the Robertsdale Elementary School Auditorium, 19150 Wilters Street, Robertsdale, AL 36567.
The meetings are open to the public and media, and will provide residents an opportunity to discuss long-term economic and environmental restoration ideas with the Secretary.
We hope you are able to attend one of the town halls. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone you think may be interested in attending.
Thank you and have a great day!
Veronica M. Valdez
Special Assistant
U.S. Department of the Navy
(703)946-1657
Waters off Pensacola reopened to saltwater fishing
The Associated Press
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Florida authorities have reopened the waters off Escambia County to saltwater fishing after closing them in June as a precautionary measure because of the oil spill.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the 23-mile area was reopened Saturday after laboratory analyses of fish confirmed they are safe and oil-free.
The agency said the tests were conducted under supervision of the Food and Drug Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The samples passed all standards for safe consumption.
The area will remain closed to the harvest of shrimp and crabs as additional tests are conducted.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/01/1756137/waters-off-pensacola-reopened.html#ixzz0vSPwrYbs
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Florida authorities have reopened the waters off Escambia County to saltwater fishing after closing them in June as a precautionary measure because of the oil spill.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the 23-mile area was reopened Saturday after laboratory analyses of fish confirmed they are safe and oil-free.
The agency said the tests were conducted under supervision of the Food and Drug Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The samples passed all standards for safe consumption.
The area will remain closed to the harvest of shrimp and crabs as additional tests are conducted.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/01/1756137/waters-off-pensacola-reopened.html#ixzz0vSPwrYbs
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