Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced a closure in a portion of the territorial seas near Freshwater Bayou in Vermilion Parish effective immediately, today, June 2, due to confirmed reports of oil.
Territorial Sea Closure
All state outside waters extending seaward of the inside/outside shrimp line from 92 degrees 18 minutes 00 seconds west longitude near Freshwater Bayou westward to 92 degrees 25 minutes 00 seconds west longitude. This closure is effective immediately June 2, 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 the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to conduct coast-wide sampling of fish, crabs and shrimp, to ensure all seafood harvested from the Gulf is a safe, quality product.
For a map detailing these actions click here:
For more information related to the oil spill, visit www.emergency.louisiana.gov. Connect with us on www.facebook.com/GOHSEP and on Twitter @GOHSEP. View photos in from the state's response efforts at www.flickr.com/photos/lagohsep.
