What criteria and protocol does NOAA use to close fishing areas?
• A combination of computer modeling and daily overflights. Sophisticated computer models produce trajectory maps of where the oil is likely to be in 24, 48 and 72-hour time frames based upon weather, satellite imagery, ocean buoy data, and ocean currents. This trajectory is truth-tested by daily overflights to verify the actual extent of the oil. • Managers review data each morning and post a decision regarding whether to expand the closed area boundary or maintain the current boundary by 12 p.m. Eastern Time each day. • Changes to the closed area boundary are communicated to the public via fishery bulletins, NOAA Weather Radio, and by posting new maps and explanatory materials to the Southeast Regional Office website. • Any changes to the closed area boundary take effect at 6 p.m. Eastern Time to provide fishermen adequate time to respond to the notification and plan the next day’s activities. • You can sign up for Twitter or text alerts when the closed area changes by visiting the S
