Office of Conservation's Underwater Obstruction Removal Program gets Gulf Guardian Award

The state's Underwater Obstruction Removal Program has received recognition by the Gulf of Mexico region for "excellence in restoring Louisiana's coastal marine waters." The removal program is operated by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Office of Conservation and has just completed its third year.

The program received a second place award in this year's Gulf Guardian Award competition under government administered programs. Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program, the Gulf Guardian Awards began last year to recognize environmental excellence in the five Gulf Coast states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

The Underwater Obstruction Removal Program eliminates obstructions and debris along the Louisiana coastline, reducing injury and damages to boaters, fishermen, and their gear. The program started in 1998, and has located and removed more than 500 obstructions weighing approximately 2,000 tons. Underwater Obstruction Removal administrator Bruce Ballard said the program can serve as a model program for other Gulf states.

Commissioner of Conservation Philip N. Asprodites said, "Significant losses have occurred each year for commercial fishermen that hang their nets or damage their equipment because of submerged objects and this program provides a prevention plan." Asprodites said, "The removal program is making our coastal waters cleaner and safer."

Editors: For more information, please contact DNR Public Information Office at 342-8955.