Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following closure to recreational and commercial fishing activities in a portion of the territorial seas, in lower Jefferson Parish, from the eastern shore of Barataria Pass to the western shore of Caminada Pass effective today, May 20, 2010 at sunset. These actions were taken due to confirmed reports of oil.
Territorial Seas Closure
The state's territorial seas seaward of the inside-outside shrimp line from the eastern shore of Barataria Pass at 89 degrees 56 minutes 44 seconds west longitude westward to the western shore of Caminada Pass at 90 degrees 02 minutes 46.597 seconds west longitude will close effective sunset May 20, 2010.
Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the Department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.
Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.
LDWF continues to work closely with DHH in an effort to assess all opportunities to resume normal fishing activities on Louisiana's coast and guarantee the safety of Louisiana's seafood.
All other closures remain in place. To see related fishing closure map click here: www.wlf.louisiana.gov/pdfs/news/FISHING-CLOSURE.jpg
