Officials have said that Louisiana's Breton National Wildlife Refuge has been closed to public entry as a result of the first shoreline impact of the Gulf oil spill.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on Friday that the closure is to ensure public safety, protect nesting seabirds, and allow cleanup crews to work safely and efficiently.

The agency further said that shoreline impact from the spill was confirmed Wednesday, with oil observed on the southern half of the Chandeleur Islands.

Oil response teams were conducting cleanup operations, it said, with recoverable oil being removed and affected areas cleaned up.

It was further reported that the agency did not give a date for expected reopening of the refuge to the public. (With Inputs from Agencies)