Florida Seafood is Safe and Abundant
With all that is happening with the Deepwater Horizon Event it is not surprising that confusions arise. We wanted to take this opportunity to mention that seafood currently being harvested in Florida is safe and has not been impacted by the oil leak in the Gulf. We are concerned that misinformation about the conditions in the gulf waters may unnecessarily impact the state’s seafood industry.
While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is restricting commercial and recreational fishing in federal waters from Louisiana to waters off Pensacola Bay, the ban does not yet impact waters extended out 25 miles from Escambia County. Currently, all species harvested from the closure line to shore — including grouper, snapper, golden tilefish, mullet, blue crab, oysters, flounder, sea trout, clams and shrimp — are safe to eat. Federal agencies and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are conducting ongoing tests of water samples and have not found any hydrocarbons in samples taken from Florida.
In addition, our Division of Aquaculture is monitoring oysters and clams to assure their safety, and NOAA is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and food safety officials in the Gulf States to assure that no unsafe seafood products are sent to markets.
Check our website, www.FL-seafood.com for the most up to date information.
