Fishermen Affected by BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Oil spills can be psychologically, environmentally and economically devastating. The most recent major oil spill that took place in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010 may, in fact, be the worst one the U.S. has ever seen. Caused by an explosion in a wellhead, the Deepwater Horizon rig 41 miles off the Louisiana coast is estimated to be leaking between 20,000 and 25,000 barrels of crude oil each day, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Deepwater Horizon is currently being overseen by BP Exploration & Production.

Thus far, this Gulf Coast oil spill has severely contaminated area waters, seriously harmed (or killed) local wildlife and has caused 11 fatalities and 17 injuries. While oil spill cleanup efforts may take years, both maritime industries and the tourism industry will suffer, bankrupting many corporations and financially devastating hundreds of thousands of hard-working families.

One of the industries that is centrally affected and impaired as a result of this oil spill is the fishing industry. Both sport fishermen and commercial fishermen will no longer be able to reap pleasure or financial gain from the Gulf's waters, as the oil slick has already destroyed the fish and marine life in an area spanning more than 45,000 square miles.

Impact of the Oil Spill on the Fishing Industry

According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Gulf is responsible for generating approximately 73 percent of domestically produced shrimp, as well as nearly 60 percent of U.S. oysters. To date, the oil contamination has caused about 33 percent of Louisiana's fishing waters to be closed. Those who earn a living off of fishing industry jobs in the area are likely to lose their jobs until the waters are clean enough to fish in again.

Examples of fishing industry jobs likely to suffer include:

captains and mates
deckhands
charter boat rental services
fishermen
fish farmers
shrimpers, crabbers and oyster collectors
competitive sports fishermen

As these employees of the fishing industry suffer, the effects will trickle down to the dining industry, as seafood restaurants will have to pay more for seafood or change their menu – which may ultimately cause bankruptcy and further loss of jobs.

Have You Been Affected?

If you or a loved one works in the fishing industry and has sustained financial losses as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, you may have a legal claim. For more information about the qualifications and process, contact our oil spill liability lawyers today. We are accepting new cases on behalf of people who have experienced income and profit loss in the communities off the gulf coast.

BP Oil Spill Breaking News

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Fishermen Affected by BP Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Impact of the Oil Spill on the Fishing Industry

Have You Been Affected?

BP Oil Spill Breaking News

"BP to establish $20 billion fund for Gulf cleanup and compensation"

"Panel hears testimony on BP oil spill"

"Gulf oil spill could be contained soon"

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