LDH Reports Seafood Sampling Results from Oil Spill Area

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Published March 27th, 2026

Detected March 28th, 2026

Summary

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has reported initial seafood sampling results from an area affected by an oil leak. Samples of oysters, shrimp, finfish, and crab from Basin 12 showed clear results for petroleum contamination. The LDH previously closed Basin 12 to oyster harvesting as a precautionary measure.

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What changed

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has issued a notice reporting the results of initial seafood sampling conducted in Basin 12 following an oil sheen incident. Samples of shrimp, finfish, and crab collected on March 19, and oyster samples collected on March 23 and 24, have tested clear for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are indicators of petroleum contamination. The LDH, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), had previously closed Basin 12 to oyster harvesting on March 15 as a precautionary measure due to the oil sheen.

While these initial results are positive, the LDH will continue to monitor and assess sample results. Decisions regarding the re-opening of harvest areas will be based on the best available data. This notice serves as an update on the ongoing assessment of the oil spill's impact on seafood safety and harvest areas. Regulated entities, particularly oyster harvesters, should stay informed about future LDH announcements regarding the status of harvest area closures.

What to do next

Monitor LDH announcements regarding re-opening of harvest areas
Report any further oil sheen sightings to LOSCO

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- LDH reports results from first round of seafood sampling from oil spill area

March 27, 2026 LDH reports results from first round of seafood sampling from oil spill area

Baton Rouge, Louisiana,

Mar 27, 2026

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) reports that initial samples of oysters, shrimp, finfish, and crab from Basin 12 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 samples of shrimp, finfish, and crab were collected on March 19, and oyster samples were collected on March 23 and March 24.

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.

On March 14 (effective March 15), out of an abundance of caution, the Department closed Basin 12 to oyster harvesting (harvest areas 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21) when several harvesters reported an oil sheen. LDH has primary responsibility for the oyster harvest in Louisiana under the National Shellfish Sanitation Program and regulates only oyster harvest areas under this purview. LDWF has regulatory authority over the harvest of shrimp, finfish, or crabs, either inland or offshore, and determines the closure of harvest areas for those types of seafood.

LDH will continue to assess sample results as they are received from the testing laboratory and will make decisions regarding the re-opening of harvest areas based on the best available data.
Any sightings of an oil sheen should be reported to the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinators Office (LOSCO) hotline at 225-200-1921 or emailed to [email protected]. Further guidance on oil observations may be found at denr.louisiana.gov/page/louisiana-oil-spill-coordinator-s-office.