ASA continues to work with Congress and the Administration to ensure that economic relief efforts in response to the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster include recreational fishing-dependent businesses and are as efficient and effective as possible. On May 27, the Senate approved its 2010 Supplemental Appropriations bill which included an amendment submitted by Sen. Richard Shelby that provides $15 million for fishery-dependent businesses harmed by the spill. ASA worked with Shelby's office to include language in the amendment recognizing the disaster's impact on recreational fishing-dependent businesses and the need for baseline information about the fisheries status and the impact on the Gulf eco-system. ASA is working to ensure that the language is included in the final measure reconciled with the House. ASA also continues to stress that while the oil spill is causing significant harm to much of the Gulf, it is important to note that approximately 66 percent of Gulf waters are still open to recreational fishing. For up-to-date information on the Gulf of Mexico oil leak, please go to www.KeepAmericaFishing.org . ASA updates this site every day with information about the oil disaster response and on filing claims for damages resulting from the oil spill.