The Louisiana Department of Health reports the first round of seafood sampling from the oil spill area. The report exhibits initial samples of oysters, shrimp, finfish, and crab from Basin 12 that were collected on March 19-24.
These crustaceans are showing clear results following the identification of an oil sheen in the area. Testing was conducted to identify whether polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are indicators of petroleum contamination, were present.
The Department is working in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to collect and test samples of seafood from the areas affected by the Louisiana Offshore Oil Platform (LOOP) oil leak that occurred when a transfer hose ruptured at its Gulf facility.
To ensure safety, the department closed Basin 12 to oyster harvesting (harvest areas 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21) when several harvesters reported an oil sheen. The Louisiana Department of Health has primary responsibility for the oyster harvest in Louisiana under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program and regulates only oyster harvest areas under this purview.
The department will continue to assess the situation, and once results are received, a decision will be made regarding the reopening of harvest areas.
For more information, visit ldh.la.gov.
