A new sentry plan has been initiated to provide real-time ocean monitoring off the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Vessels are being used to conduct maritime patrols and to provide early identification. These are precautionary measures meant to provide responders with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice to take appropriate action.
There have been no reports of Transocean/BP spill-related oil products reaching the Florida peninsula (south of the Panhandle and including the Florida Keys). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as of Wednesday June 9th, the southeastern tip of the noncontiguous oil sheen and scattered tar balls were still about 300 miles northwest of Key West.
There are currently no closures anywhere in the keys or Dry Tortugas, and fishery boundaries remain unchanged.
For more information, visit any of these spill-related websites:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm
http://www.deephorizonresponse.com
Spill-related information for visitors
http://www.fla-keys.com/oilspill