NOAA Gives Nearly $2 Million to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for Oyster Recovery Assistance

NOAA GIVES NEARLY $2 MILLION TO LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES FOR OYSTER RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today announced a grant of $1,976,200 to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to help rehabilitate and enhance Louisiana oyster resources and oyster reefs that were damaged by Tropical Storm Isadore and Hurricane Lili. NOAA is an agency of the Commerce Department.

The grant will also aid in developing and implementing new strategies to promote Louisiana oysters in new and existing markets. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will administer the programs and is responsible for management of the state’s renewable natural resources, including all wildlife and aquatic life.

“We are constantly working to improve the understanding of our environment and to strengthen local and regional initiatives that support fisheries resources and the industry,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “These grants help sustain the Louisiana oyster industry and actively support efforts that reinforce NOAA’s and the Bush Administration’s commitment to the fishing community.”

In fiscal year 2003, NOAA has awarded more than 475 grants totaling $204.2 million to members of the academic, scientific and business communities to assist the agency in fulfilling its mission to study the Earth’s natural systems in order to predict environmental change, manage ocean resources, protect life and property and provide decision makers with reliable scientific information. NOAA goals and programs reflect a commitment to these basic responsibilities of science and service to the nation for 33 years.

The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. To learn more about NOAA, please visit http://www.noaa.gov.