Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following additional closure of a portion of the territorial seas, in lower Lafourche and Jefferson parishes, from the western shore of Caminada Pass to Belle Pass to recreational and commercial fishing activities effective immediately, May 20, 2010. Oil has been documented in the area, including the presence of tar balls on Fourchon Beach.
Territorial Seas Closure
The state's territorial seas seaward of the inside-outside shrimp line from the western shore of Caminada Pass at 90 degrees 02 minutes 46.597 seconds west longitude westward to the western shore of Belle Pass at 90 degrees 13 minutes 36 seconds west longitude.
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.
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 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.
