Today’s Beach Conditions:
Please note that conditions can change at any moment; therefore, the flags can also change due to currents, tide, etc. For automated updates throughout the day regarding Gulf Shores, call 251-968-TIDE (8433); for Orange Beach, call 251- 981-SURF (7873); and for Perdido Key, call 850-932-SURF (7873).
Gulf Shores – red flags (due to high surf or strong currents; caution should be exercised)
Orange Beach – red flags (due to high surf or strong currents; caution should be exercised)
Perdido Key – yellow flags (due to rough surf & strong currents)
More Fishing Waters Open Today
At 5 p.m. today (Thursday, September 2, 2010) NOAA will reopen 5,130 square miles of gulf waters previously closed to commercial and recreational fishing due to the effects of the oil spill.
Now approximately 18% of the Gulf of Mexico waters remain closed to all fishing, including catch and release fishing. NOAA will continue to evaluate the need for fisheries closures based on the evolving nature of the spill and will re-open closed areas as appropriate.
The re-opened area was originally closed because oil was present in the area; however, no oil has been documented in the area since July 12, and only scattered light sheens since July 29. Trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil.
NOAA collected shrimp and finfish samples from this area, including commercially and recreationally important species, such as red snapper. Sensory testing showed no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors in the samples, and the results of chemical analysis were well below levels of concern.
NOAA continues to work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the states to ensure seafood safety, by closing fishing areas where tainted seafood could potentially be caught, and assessing whether seafood is tainted or contaminated to levels that pose a risk to human health. NOAA and FDA are working together to sample seafood from inside and outside the closure area, as well as dockside- and market-based sampling.
Guest Comments:
We always go to Orange Beach every year at this time and this year was no different. Oil or no oil, we love it down there and will be there again next year no matter what happens.
Renae from Jasper, AL (received 9/1/10)