Coast Guard Expanding Restricted Areas

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to expand recently announced "safety zones," restricting public and media access to oil spill response efforts from Louisiana to Florida.

In a press release sent late Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Coast Guard announced a 65 foot “safety zone” around Deepwater Horizon booming operations and oil spill response efforts.

The restriction currently applies only to Southeast Louisiana, but a spokesperson at the Joint Information Center in Mobile said the restricted area would likely be expanded into Mississippi, Alabama and Florida in the next few days.

Coast Guard Captain Edward Stanton of the Port of New Orleans questioned News Five's interest in the story on Friday saying, “I’m curious as to why people in Mobile are concerned about a safety zone in Louisiana.”

Stanton, who insists the safety-zone is not meant to "restrict legitimate use of the waterway," said most anything would be visible from 65 feet away. "The fact is we're not attempting to keep anyone from seeing anything," said Stanton.

Critics of the new restriction argue the safety zone could prevent the media from taking up-close pictures of oiled wildlife and failed booming operations.

Media and private vessels wishing to travel in areas of Southeast Louisiana must now get permission from the Coast Guard Captain of the Port of New Orleans.

"Nine times out of 10, probably 10 times out of 10” access will be granted, said Stanton, who insists the safety-zone was established at the request of local officials who complained about boaters interfering with the oil spill operations.

Violation of the safety zone could result in a $40,000 fine, according to the press release.

For permission to access a restricted area call 504-846-5923.