On July 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reopened portions of previously closed areas in the Gulf of Mexico to commercial and recreational fishing. The reopened area, still in effect, comprises 26,388 square miles, according to NOAA.
The current fishery closure boundary remains more than 260 miles to the northwest of Key West.
Areas to the southeast of the zone including the Dry Tortugas and the Florida Keys island chain are not under restrictions.
All commercial fishing and recreational fishing including catch-and-release is prohibited in the closed area. However, it is permissible for vessels to transit through the closed zone.
The presence of scattered light oil sheens and tar balls from the Gulf oil spill in the southern Gulf of Mexico was the reason for the initial closure, according to NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary officials.
NOAA said it will continue to evaluate the need for fisheries closures based on the evolving nature of the oil spill, and reopen closed areas when deemed appropriate.
Courtesy of fla-keys.com
Graphic courtesy NOAA
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