Biloxi, Miss. ? The Biloxi harbor showed signs of life Saturday as the Coast Guard allowed limited commercial traffic for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.

The storm had hurled debris into the city’s bay, dumping pollutants into the water and making the area hazardous for ships.

“Getting these waterways open is the top priority for me,” said Lt. Josh Rose of the Coast Guard’s waterways management branch.

Many fishing and shrimping boats also returned to the bay for the first time Saturday after being docked in protected waters. They had been stuck behind a broken draw bridge, which was finally opened Friday night, allowing fishermen to seek repairs.

Despite the progress, many shrimpers said it’s unlikely they will be back to work this year. Much of the seafood-processing infrastructure along the Gulf Coast has been destroyed.