NOAA modifies and extends fishing closure in the oil affected areas off Louisiana’s coast

NOAA Fisheries Service modified the boundaries of the closed fishing area to reflect the current extent of the oil pollution. All commercial and recreational fishing including catch and release is prohibited in the closed area.

The closure will be in effect for 10 days, from May 7, 2010, through 12:01 a.m., local time, May 17, 2010, unless conditions allow NOAA Fisheries Service to terminate it sooner. NOAA Fisheries Service will continue to monitor and evaluate the oil spill and its impacts on Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) fisheries and will take immediate and appropriate action to extend or reduce this closed area. This closed area represents slightly less than 4.5 percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters. The vast majority of Gulf waters have not been affected by the oil spill and continue to support productive fisheries and tourism activities. This closure is implemented for public safety.

This action temporarily closes the area bound by the following coordinates to all fishing:

From the point where 29o50' N. lat. intersects with the 3 nautical mile Louisiana state boundary; proceeding easterly to the point 29o50' N. lat. and 87o28' W. long.; thence, southeasterly to the point 29o20' N. lat. and 86o55' W. long.; thence, southwesterly to the point 28o18' N. lat. and 87o44' W. long.; thence, northwesterly to the point 28o30' N. lat. and 89o W. long.; thence, northwesterly to the point where 28o52' N. lat. intersects with the 3 nautical mile Louisiana state boundary; thence along the seaward limit of Louisiana’s waters.