Environmental assessment for emergency action to close portions of federal waters in the southeastern United States to prohibit fishing in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Emergency action to close portions of federal waters in the southeastern United States to prohibit fishing in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Deepwater Horizon oil spill

"NMFS is promulgating emergency regulations for the purpose of public safety to prohibit fishing activities in portions of the Southeast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) within the extent of the oil pollution. NNIFS anticipates a potential need to adjust the spatial and temporal boundaries of the closed area as conditions change to the extent of the oil pollution as new information becomes available. Alternatives evaluated in the environmental assessment include a (1) no action alternative to allow status quo fishing activities in the EEZ, and (2) an alternative to prohibit fishing in portions of the EEZ affected by the oil spill"--Cover letter summary.