The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday nearly tripled the size of the area in the Gulf of Mexico close to commercial fishing, as the oil slick gradually migrates eastward toward Florida’s west coast.
The prohibited area now represents 45,728 square miles, or 19 percent of U.S. Gulf waters, up from 4.5 percent two weeks ago, when NOAA extended the ban through 17 May.
The closed area is more than 150 miles from the nearest port and is fished primarily by longliners targeting migratory species such as tuna and swordfish. Coastal fisheries, such as grouper, snapper and shrimp, are not affected by the closure. NOAA advised fishermen not to fish in areas where oil is present, even if the area is open to fishing.
NOAA is also working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to implement a seafood sampling plan that includes testing product inside and outside the closed area, as well as on the docks and in the marketplace.
"FDA agrees that NOAA's closure ... is one appropriate public health measure to prevent potentially unsafe seafood from being harvested and reaching consumers," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg. "We understand that it will be necessary to continually evaluate the boundaries as the situation evolves"
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDW&F) on Sunday reopened the waters surrounding Terrebonne Parish to commercial fishing. The agency closed the area on Saturday after a Dularge, La., fishermen found oil on his catch and reopened it after discovering that the oil did not originate from the Deepwater Horizon leak.
The LDW&F is now investigating how the oil ended up on the shrimp. In an interview with The Courier of Houma, La., the fisherman, Lyle DeHart, acknowledged the investigation but maintained his honesty, repeating that he found the oil on his catch.
Through Wednesday, the LDW&F kept parts of Chandeleur and Breton sounds, as well as the waters surrounding lower Plaquemines Parish, closed to commercial fishing.
