Venice is the southernmost permanently inhabited area on the Louisiana coast and is situated within a ring levee on the Mississippi. The levee was ineffective during Hurricane Katrina. The entire town was flooded, oil field vessels and barges were strewn haphazardly, and huge deposits of wrack were left on both sides of the ring levee on the west side of town. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services headquarters for Delta National Wildlife Refuge appeared to be structurally sound, although the first floor was damaged. A newly constructed tool shed was crushed by a massive barge-crane, which apparently floated on top of the building.

Former Location of the Chandeleur Lighthouse

Current northern extent of Chandeleur Island chain, 3.25 NM south of the former location of the Chandeleur lighthouse.

Redfish Point

Middle of Chandeleur Island main chain, looking from north to south. Redfish Point, on the longest peninsula, is visible in background, center of photo. New Harbor Island to the right.

Redfish Point looking from west to east. Note seagrass beds in the foreground.

outhern part of Chandeleur Island main chain from Redfish Point looking south.

Current southern tip of Chandeleur Island main chain, looking northward from Monkey Bayou in the foreground. Note the dark brown wrack, wave deposited dead vegetation and debris, on right.