Government closes fishing in oil spill areas for 10 days

The U.S. government on Sunday released a ten-day ban on fishing in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico affected by an oil spill.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) closed commercial and recreational fishing in areas between the mouth of the Mississippi River to Pensacola Bay, Fla.

The White House forwarded to reporters the information about the NOAA's move, which is one of the most aggressive since a BP oil rig exploded and sunk in April, releasing thousands of barrels of oil into the Gulf.

“NOAA scientists are on the ground in the area of the oil spill taking water and seafood samples in an effort to ensure the safety of the seafood and fishing activities,” NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco said in a statement. "Balancing economic and health concerns, this order closes just those areas that are affected by oil. There should be no health risk in seafood currently in the marketplace.”

The seafood fishing industry has been adversely affected by the oil spill, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) had allowed emergency fishing and shrimping before oil reached shore.

President Barack Obama landed in Louisiana on Sunday afternoon where he was greeted by Jindal. The two will travel to survey the effects of the spill this afternoon, and the president is expected to speak.