Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following closure to recreational and commercial fishing in northeast St. Bernard Parish effective immediately today, May 28. This closure is a result of confirmed reports of oil in the vicinity.
The closure effects the waters extending north of Martin Island on the eastern shore of the Biloxi Marsh at 29 degrees 57 minutes 29.6 seconds north latitude; thence northward to Isle au Pitre at 30 degrees 09 minutes 20.5 seconds north latitude from the double rig line westward to 89 degrees 17 minutes 10 seconds west longitude.
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.
Click here to see the full map:
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/pdfs/news/FISHING-CLOSURE.jpg
Click here for detailed sheet 1:
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/pdfs/news/DETAIL-SHEET-1.jpg
Click here for detailed sheet 2:
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/pdfs/news/DETAIL-SHEET-2.jpg
All other closures remain in place.
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.
