NEW ORLEANS - A Unified Command, consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office (LOSCO) and the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP), continues its recovery and cleanup efforts in the Gulf and surrounding barrier islands.
As of March 16, 2026, the response effort includes:
· Approximately 667 responders
· 114 vessels engaged in cleanup activities
· Aerial surveillance support from fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones
· 155,550 feet (29.5 Miles) of protective and collection boom has been deployed to mitigate environmental impacts
· An estimated 31,500 gallons (750 barrels) of crude oil was discharged, of which an estimated 27,510 gallons (655 barrels) have been recovered.
· No dispersants have been used or authorized during the recovery.
· LA Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and U.S. Fish & Wildlife are monitoring for affected wildlife.
·Specialized responders are on scene to conduct further environmental impact assessments.
Safety of responders is a top priority and weather-related issues delayed response efforts on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
On Sunday, the Louisiana Department of Health ordered the precautionary closure of shellfish harvesting in areas near the response. All questions regarding these closures should be directed to the Louisiana Department of Health.
To report impacted wildlife, call: 1‑985‑368‑9866.
To report a sighting of oil, call: 1-800-424-8802.
For the Louisiana State Police, call: 1-877-925-6595
To report a claim, call Global Risk Solutions at 1-855-566-7552 and/or the National Pollution Funds Center at 1-800-358-2897
For safety and collision avoidance, mariners are encouraged to avoid areas where work vessels and recovery boom are deployed and monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for broadcast updates.
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