Recreational fishing could reopening tomorrow (July 14) in all areas affected by the BP oil spill, with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission meeting at 4 p.m. to discuss the matter.
The meeting was called today about 2:30 p.m., and will be held in the Louisiana Room of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries headquarters building at 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, La.
Consideration of a declaration of emergency and notice of intent to allow recreational fishing in the areas closed to all fishing due to the spill is the sole agenda item.
Commissioners will receive public comment, so LouisianaSportsman.com users are encouraged to attend if at all possible.
Louisiana state waters began closing more than two months ago, and LDWF Secretary Robert Barham has persisted in closures despite clear evidence from more than 500 finfish samples that fish have not been contaminated.
In fact, Barham and his top fisheries biologist admitted to LouisianaSportsman.com less than two weeks ago that finfish could not be contaminated from either the oil or the dispersant Corexit being used in the spill.
However, Barham continued with closures because he said he could not guarantee that the mixture of oil and Corexit does not produce contaminants heretofore unknown.
Waters were opened briefly – for less than two days – to catch and release last week before the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission overturned the newest policy.
LouisianaSportsman.com will post the Commission’s decision as soon as possible tomorrow.
