At an Independent claims information meeting on August 10^th in Bay County, Charter Boat Captains expressed concerns about how the oil spill was impacting the survival of larval fish, especially young of the year Red Snapper. They were very concerned how this could impact their businesses for years to come. Seafood Restaurant owners complained about how the negative and often inaccurate press was scaring consumers from eating seafood and that the public needed to be reassured that Gulf seafood was to eat.

Scientists have tested fish and the waters off Bay County Extensively for 30 days before they reopened it for fishing. Finfish will be safe to catch and eat. Support local tackle stores and charter boats if you don’t have a boat of your own, and take advantage of this opportunity to have some fun as well. Also don’t forgot Gulf Seafood is safe to eat and very healthy for you. Local seafood restaurants and fish markets can use your support as well. The biggest impacts of the oil spill on Bay County have been economic. Supporting local businesses and spreading the word to the outside word that are waters and beaches are clean, and our seafood safe and delicious can help the whole community.