Public health officials have banned fishing and seafood harvesting west of Cook’s Landfill.

The warning covers the cove near Hermitage Bay. Officials say residents must not fish, sell, or eat seafood from the area.

The advisory comes from the Central Board of Health. It is working with the Fisheries Division.

Earlier this week, authorities received reports of an oil sheen. The sighting occurred Thursday morning around 8:38 a.m.

The Antigua Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard responded quickly. In addition, a team from the West Indies Oil Company joined the effort.

Teams carried out checks at sea and on land. Officials later confirmed signs of petroleum-based contamination.

Preliminary findings point to a surface sheen on the water. Investigators believe seepage from Cook’s Landfill may be the source.

However, the exact cause remains under investigation. Authorities continue to gather evidence.

Meanwhile, wind and waves are pushing the sheen away from shore. Even so, officials warn of possible harm to marine life inside the cove.

Therefore, they issued a precautionary ban. Residents must not fish in the affected waters.

They also must not collect shellfish or other marine life there. Vendors must not sell seafood taken from the site.

Furthermore, the government has partially activated the National Emergency Operations Centre. Key agencies are now monitoring the situation.

These include the Environment Division and the Port Authority. The national utilities provider APUA is also involved.

Additionally, the Coast Guard remains on site. Crews have carried out aerial surveys to assess the spread.

Officials promise updates as new information becomes available. For now, they stress caution.

They urge the public to follow the advisory fully. The measure aims to protect health and safety.

Anyone who spots unusual marine conditions should report them at once. Residents can contact the Coast Guard through its emergency numbers.

In the meantime, authorities continue testing and monitoring the waters. They say swift action will help limit risks and safeguard the coastline.