Oil Spill Updates

Updated 8-30-10

• The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have ordered the reopening of ALL Mississippi State territorial waters to all commercial and recreational finfish and shrimp fishing activities that were part of the precautionary oil spill closures. This order takes effect at 5p.m. Friday, August 6, 2010. This is adding to the previous opening of Mississippi State territorial waters NORTH of the barrier islands on Friday, July 30, 2010.

  The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have ordered the reopening of all Mississippi territorial waters, including those south of the barrier islands, to all commercial and recreational blue crab fishing activities that were part of the precautionary oil spill closures. This order took effect at 12:01 p.m. August 20.

• Scattered incidents of tar balls reaching the main shoreline continue.  A total of 20 cleanup crews are working daily to clean these beaches.  Beach advisories remain in effect in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties.  These beaches are not closed and beach goers may continue to use these beaches and enjoy water activities, but the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the Mississippi State Department of Health advise people to be aware of their surroundings while recreating.  Yes, you may be on the beach when cleanup crews are present.
  
  Click here to check for additional beach advisories and closings.
  
  
• The National Park Service is reporting that all barrier islands in the Mississippi district are open.  Petit Bois Island is located approximately 14 miles south of Pascagoula and is a designated wildlife area and one of the least visited of our barrier islands.  It is about 6 miles long.  Horn and Ship Islands are approximately 12 miles south of Biloxi and Gulfport respectively.  Ship Island is the only barrier island with passenger service available.  Ship Island Excursions take passengers from the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor to West Ship Island.
  
  
• According to NOAA, tar balls DO NOT pose a health risk to the average person. However, beachgoers are advised not to pick them up if they encounter them on the beach and are asked to report any sightings by calling 866-448-5816. To read NOAA's information about the tar balls, click here.
  
  
• Mississippi Oil Spill Response information
  
   
  
• Official information is being posted by the response team (Coast Guard, Homeland Security, NOAA, Department of the Interior, BP and Transocean) and updated several times each day at http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com and http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/
  
  
• Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality: The Environmental Protection Agency has initiated an air monitoring effort to ensure the safety of local residents and track any developing air quality changes. To see the latest data, visit http://airnow.gov/. EPA is sampling the air, water and sediment to assess the impact of the oil spill on the affected ecosystems. Samples can take time to process, usually about 3-4 days.  Sampling data will provide specific information about the pollutants and will be used to help guide the response and cleanup. EPA is working with local, state and federal response partners.
  
  
• To suggest technology solutions, visit www.epa.gov/bpspill/techsolution.html.
  
  
• Frequently Asked questions
  
  
• For answers to general questions related to the Mississippi Gulf Coast oil issue you may call  1-985-493-7822
  
  
• To report injured marine mammals or sea turtles, you may call 1-888-806-1674
  
  
• To report oiled wildlife, call 1-866-557-1401 and leave a message.  Messages will be checked hourly.
  
  
• To volunteer to clean wildlife following an oil spill, you must first be trained.  Please go to http://www.pascagoulariver.audubon.org/ to sign up for training to help wildlife.
  
   
• All volunteers wishing to help in oil clean up IF the oil should reach the beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, please register at http://www.oilspillvolunteers.com/.  Training is also required for this so you must register in advance if you wish to volunteer to help clean up should oil reach the shore.  Thank you to the over 9,000 who have already volunteered.