Tar closes section of coast

The state ordered the emergency closure of a section of Louisiana’s coast Tuesday to some types of fishing because of the emergence of a large tar mat and a concentration of tar balls, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

DWF Secretary Robert Barham ordered Tuesday the closure of the area that runs from Belle Pass near Port Fourchon to Caminada Pass near Grand Isle and extends from the shoreline to one mile offshore, according to the news release.

The closure does not affect recreational or charter boat fishing where people are fishing with a rod and reel.

The closure primarily prohibits commercial and recreational shrimping and crabbing and commercial fin fishing, according to Ashley Wethey, media relations with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

In addition, the area remains open for the harvest of live bait by wholesale/retail seafood dealers who hold a special bait dealers permit and harvest live bait for sale to recreational fishermen exclusively.