Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following action in a portion of the Barataria Basin south of Empire, LA in Plaquemines Parish effective at sunset today, June 6, due to confirmed reports of oil in the area.
The portion of state inside waters north of the inside/outside shrimp line and south of the Mississippi River from the southern shoreline of Red Pass at 89 degrees 28 minutes 13.4 seconds north latitude westward to the western shoreline of the Empire Canal, closes to recreational and commercial fishing effective sunset today, June 6.
To view maps of the amended fishing closure ,click the below links:
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.
All other closures remain in place.
