[StBernard] LDWF and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Announce Large-Scale Opening to Recreational Fishing, including St. Bernard

[Westley Annis]

State reopens recreational fishing in most of St. Bernard Parish waters

Fishermen should still avoid areas where oil is observed – Map 3 shows St. Bernard openings

 

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission announced significant openings to recreational fishing as of Tuesday, July 14, 2010. With this decision, 86 percent of recreational fishing in Louisiana will be open. It is advised that recreational fishermen avoid areas where oil is observed, respect oil cleanup and removal activities and stay clear of areas being protected by boom material. 

 

See the press release below issued by the Governor’s Office. Additionally, Map 3 shows openings in St. Bernard.

 

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July 14, 2010

LDWF and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Announce Large-Scale Opening to Recreational Fishing

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission announced significant openings to recreational fishing. With this action, approximately 86 percent of recreational fishing in Louisiana will be open immediately as of July 14. 


"The measures taken today by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will allow recreational anglers, including recreational shrimping, crabbing and fishing, to resume," said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. "While I am pleased and fully support today's action, I caution all fishermen to exercise caution while fishing in areas closed to commercial fishing."

This opening includes licensed charter boat guides and bait fishermen or dealers who harvest for and sell to recreational fishermen exclusively.

Recreational fishing is being allowed subject to continual testing and monitoring, as this activity is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. To date the Environmental Protection Agency's near shore water tests have shown chemical contamination levels below public health concern. 

"I consider today's action the first step in opening state waters to all fishing, both recreational and commercial," added Barham. 


Although recreational fishing will be allowed in portions of the previously closed fishing areas, certain delineated areas, including heavily oiled areas, areas associated with boom and areas of active cleanup continue to be closed to recreational fishing. 


See below for maps indicating areas remaining closed to recreational fishing:

*	Map 1 <http://keelson.eatel.net/websites/la2.gov/action.cfm?md=communication&task=addClick&msg_ID=6164&ID=fGj%3Bk%7DiniRj%60&redirect=http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/img/maps/oil-spill/recreational-map-1.png%20> 

*	Map 2 <http://keelson.eatel.net/websites/la2.gov/action.cfm?md=communication&task=addClick&msg_ID=6164&ID=fGj%3Bk%7DiniRj%60&redirect=http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/img/maps/oil-spill/recreational-map-2.png%20> 

*	Map 3 <http://keelson.eatel.net/websites/la2.gov/action.cfm?md=communication&task=addClick&msg_ID=6164&ID=fGj%3Bk%7DiniRj%60&redirect=http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/img/maps/oil-spill/recreational-map-3.png%20> 

It is advised that recreational fishermen avoid areas where oil is observed, respect oil cleanup and removal activities and stay clear of areas being protected by boom material. Smell and examine catch closely to ensure that there are no obvious oil or chemical residues. Recreational fishermen fishing in areas closed to commercial fishermen do so at their own risk.

All previously issued commercial fishing closures remain in place. 

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