[The determination came in response to a virtual fishery shutdown in the affected states due to major flooding, damage to fishing boats and fishing ports, waterways clogged with debris and closed processing facilities.] We are taking action now because of the significant economic effects of Hurricane Katrina on fishing communities in the Gulf of Mexico, ... Major commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico include fin fish, shrimp and oysters, with an estimated value of almost $700 million per year.
— Carlos Gutierrez
Miscellaneous