Current revisions to the closure, described below, will be effective on June 2,2010 at 6 p.m. eastern time (5 p.m. central time). All commercial and recreational fishing including catch and release is prohibited in the closed area; however, transit through the area is allowed.
Map Link:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/deepwater_horizon/
BP_OilSpill_FisheryClosureMap_060210.pdf
The closure measures 88,522 sq mi (229,270 sq km), which is about 37% of the Gulf of Mexico exclusive economic zone. The majority of federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico are open to commercial and recreational fishing.
Modeling and mapping the actual and projected spill area is not an exact science. NOAA Fisheries Service strongly advises fishermen not to fish in areas where oil or oil sheens (very thin layers of floating oil) are present, even if those areas are not currently closed to fishing.
Permit holders are reminded to maintain their federal vessel permits by submitting timely reporting requirements and renewal applications, even if the vessel is not currently engaged in fishing activities.
This revised closed area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following coordinates:
Ways To Receive Closure Information:
Southeast Fishery Bulletins, to sign up send an email to: SERO.Communications.Comments@noaa.gov
Call 1-800-627-NOAA (1-800-627-6622) to hear a recording of the current coordinates
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for updates
Text messages on your cell phone, to sign up text fishing@gulf to 84469
(for more information visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/558107 )
Follow us on Twitter: usnoaagov to get a tweet when the closed area changes
Links for more information:
Southeast Regional Office’s Web page:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/deepwater_horizon_oil_spill.htm
NOAA’s National Ocean Service
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov
Deepwater Horizon Response www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
Fishermen who wish to contact BP about a claim should call 1-800-440-0858.
