Sound opened for fishing

BILOXI, Miss. - The Mississippi Sound reopened today for recreational catch and consumption after a nearly four-week closure due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources closed the Sound in the first week of July, then reopened it a week ago for catch-and-release purposes. Now, anglers will be allowed to keep their catch. The opening includes all waters in the Mississippi Sound to the barrier islands, not the waters south of the islands. (Source: Sun Herald, 07/30/10) The Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 workers. Oil and gas spewed into the Gulf of Mexico until a cap was put in placed and fully closed July 15. Oil on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico has diminished since through weathering, microbe action and skimming. The long-term impact, however, is still unclear. The well is expected to be permanently capped next week.