Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following opening to recreational and commercial fishing in portions of inside waters near Cocodrie and south of Dulac, LA and in portions of the territorial seas in Terrebonne and Vermilion parishes effective immediately today, June 7 .
Inside Waters Opening
The portion of state inside waters south of 29 degrees 21 minutes 00 seconds north latitude west of the western shore of Bayou Petit Caillou and east of the eastern shore of the Houma Navigation Canal opens to recreational and commercial fishing effective immediately today, June 7.
The portion of state inside waters north of the inside/outside shrimp line from 90 degrees 49 minutes 00 seconds west longitude westward to the eastern shore of Bayou Grand Caillou opens to recreational and commercial fishing effective immediately today, June 7.
Territorial Seas Opening
The portion of state outside waters seaward of the inside/outside shrimp line from 90 degrees 49 minutes 00 seconds west longitude westward to 91 degrees 20 minutes 20 seconds west longitude near the southwestern shore of Pointe au Fer island opens to recreational and commercial fishing effective immediately today, June 7.
The portion of state outside waters 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 opens to recreational and commercial fishing effective immediately today, June 7.
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.
To view maps of the amended fishing closure ,click the below links:
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/pdfs/news/DETAIL-SHEET-3.jpg
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/pdfs/news/FISHING-CLOSURE.jpg