Oil Spill causes CCA to modify start of STAR

[cmdrost]

CCA modifies start and end dates for STAR
New 2010 tournament dates are July 1-Oct. 3

The Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana announced today new dates for this year’s 101-day Statewide Tournament and Anglers’ Rodeo (STAR), the state’s richest and longest competitive fishing event. The new dates are necessary due to the ongoing offshore oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We are moving forward with STAR but with the new dates of July 1 through October 3,” said STAR Director Sam Barbera. “The competition will be for three full months and we are offering the same caliber of prizes as in the previous 15 years of STAR, thanks to our sponsors. They are understanding and supportive”

Barbera said CCA is revising some STAR rules to accommodate the new dates for competition. STAR has traditionally opened on Memorial Day weekend and ended on Labor Day. If necessary, Barbera said CCA could modify the new STAR dates as the oil spill situation changes.

CCA Louisiana Executive Director David Cresson urged members to renew their CCA membership and register for STAR.

"The oil spill presents a serious situation for CCA, as it does for thousands of other people, businesses and organizations along our coast," said Cresson. "The CCA STAR tournament is one of the most highly anticipated fishing events in Louisiana, and in an effort to continue that important angling tradition; we are adjusting the dates to deal with this development. CCA will continue to be the driving force in marine conservation and this tournament is an important part of that effort."

As of Wednesday morning large areas of the Louisiana coast remained open for recreational fishing. Cresson said the new STAR dates will give CCA tournament officials plenty of time to continue evaluating the situation.

As a nonprofit organization, CCA Louisiana depends on membership dues, STAR entry fees, donations and money raised at its chapter banquets to operate. CCA Louisiana is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the state and has been the leader in fisheries management and conservation issues since 1983. Visit www.CCALouisiana.com for more information.