Gulf of Mexico BP Oil Spill & the Seafood Industry

The seafood industry that operates off the U.S. Gulf Coast has taken a severe economic loss as a result of the Transocean Deepwater Horizon explosion. And, the damage will continue to expand. With an estimated 200,000 gallons of oil leaking into the ocean every single day, the total economic loss may reach the millions. The oil continues to travel throughout the gulf, contaminating some of the world’s richest seafood harvesting grounds.

Louisiana Seafood Industry Faces Economic Devastation

Among the businesses that have suffered devastating income loss as a result of the massive oil spill are those within the seafood industry. In Louisiana, alone, commercial fishing brings in about $2.4 billion a year. The Gulf is home to vast harvesting areas for several species of fish, shrimp, oysters, blue crab and other popular seafood. Such harvesting areas are being destroyed as the oil makes its way across the waters.

Gregory Holt, President of Daybrook Fisheries, reports that his company is already down about 50 percent in profits due to the oil spill. The company can process up to100 tons of fish every hour; it produced fish oil and fishmeal sent and distributes it worldwide.

Mississippi River Shrimpers Gear Up for Losses

The Times reports that officials in Louisiana launched an early special white shrimp season so shrimpers could capture the supply of large white shrimp before the oil contaminated the harvest. The early season is near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Officials opened the season on a Thursday, and then closed the season the following day due to precautionary measures. Shrimping, fishing and oyster harvesting grounds have been shut down across the Louisiana coast near the border of the Mississippi River.

Shutting down Louisiana fishing grounds will have devastating effects on the fishing community off the U.S. Gulf Coast. Grocers and restaurants will continue to suffer as seafood costs spike, and as more consumers stay clear of ordering any seafood. According to reports, as the oil makes its way through the waters, fish and shrimp can sense the contamination and will usually turn the other way. Oysters, on the other hand, glue themselves to a solid surface and are stuck there for the duration of their lives. They will not be able to recover from such contamination.

Have You Experienced an Income Loss?

If you work for the seafood industry and have taken a financial loss as a result of the Transocean Deepwater Horizon oil spill, you may qualify to seek a financial recovery under the Oil Pollution Act. For more information, contact our law offices we today. We are highly experienced with oil spill liability and with the devastating income and profit losses. We are providing free case evaluation for all prospective clients. Contact our Gulf oil spill lawyers for more information.

BP Oil Spill Breaking News

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"Gulf oil spill could be contained soon"

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Gulf of Mexico BP Oil Spill & the Seafood Industry

Louisiana Seafood Industry Faces Economic Devastation

Mississippi River Shrimpers Gear Up for Losses

Have You Experienced an Income Loss?

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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