Shrimpers in the Gulf of Mexico say the first catch of the season had strong yields and no oil.

Yesterday marked the opening of shrimp season amid concerns that the catch would be covered in crude and that consumers would be fearful of buying the possibly tainted shrimp. But fishermen said there were few problems, even as scientists issued a report claiming that most of the leaked crude is still below the surface of the water.

Shrimpers lost the spring season, which runs from mid-May to July, to the spill and are hoping to capitalize on the fall season, which extends through December. Federal waters are closed to shrimpers off Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, although some areas could open in a few days based on tests.

Lab tests have shown almost no danger from oil in the seafood, and a test is being developed to evaluate the effects of dispersants (Burdeau/Foster, AP/Yahoo News, Aug. 17). -- JP