Date:	Wednesday, Jun 02, 2010
Contact:	Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau
Email:

Oil Spill Update from the Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau


To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. According to NOAA's projections, there is a possibility of oil near shore or onshore starting Wednesday afternoon. The extent of that impact is unknown and this is only a forecast. Like the weather forecast, it is subject to change. See the current NOAA map and forecast here and check back frequently for changing conditions.

No health advisories or closings have been issued for our beaches or the waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan at this point.

The City of Gulf Shores has contractors working to lay protective berm across Little Lagoon Pass, preparing in advance of any oil to preserve the waters and habitats of Little Lagoon.

NOAA has extended the limit of the closed fishing area to the line where federal waters meet Alabama state waters. However, fishing is open in state waters and to the southeast of us. Red Snapper season opened yesterday and boats are still departing from Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan. To view a map of the closed area, go to http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov//.

We had two isolated incidents of tarballs washing up on the beaches between Orange Beach and Fort Morgan a couple weeks ago. Only a few dozen tarballs were found and contracted crews immediately cleaned the affected areas. According to NOAA, tarballs DO NOT pose a health risk to the average person. However, beachgoers are advised not to pick them up and asked to report any sightings by calling 866-448-5816. To read NOAA's information about tarballs, click here.

All appropriate protective measures, including oil-absorbing booms, are being placed along beaches, bays, inlets, and sensitive areas in an effort to keep oil from reaching Alabama's shoreline. National, state and local response teams are deployed at sites along the coast to deal with local effects.

We will continue to monitor the situation and post information pertinent to our local area at gulfshores.com and orangebeach.com as they become available.

For detailed information about the entire incident, visit the NOAA or Deepwater Horizon response sites.

On another note, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting an information session for all business owners, "Class Action Lawsuits and the Oil Spill: What You Need to Know", on Wednesday, June 9.

Oil Spill Update, June 2, 10:30 a.m.





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