OPINION: The Gulf Oil Leak is Getting Personal!

By Bob Alexander

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana has gotten personal, but in no way do I equate myself with those that are now suffering because of this tragedy. I don't have to valiantly try to make a living from once reliable fishing grounds that had sustained families in varied walks of life for generations. The only thing I have lost is the excitement I usually feel when I'm about to spend a couple of weeks on the beach.

I've tried to keep a level head about the whole thing and at one time even defended BP when accused of dragging their feet in response to this disaster. After 56 days the massive leak is still only partially capped and thousands of gallons of oil are drifting with the currents of the Gulf.

When the first globs of petroleum drifted onto the Louisiana coast, everyone, with the possible exception of the CEO of British Petroleum, knew that this was a disaster of monumental proportions. While this was bad for the people of that state, to my self-centered way of thinking, it was their problem.

Then recently, the first small clumps of foul-smelling red, brown oil washed up on the shores of Dauphin Island, Alabama, a barrier island located south of Mobile Bay. By coincidence, television cameras were set up just a few feet from where I caught the largest, sweetest tasting Pompano I've ever managed to land. I was watching the waters of one of my favorite fishing spots heave small balls of oil onto the beach.

The beach is open, but few are swimming on Dauphin Island. Fishermen aren't allowed to fish in the gulf where they have made their living for years! The federal government has closed fishing in the area because of the oil in the water. Thousands of people are affected by this monstrous oil leak; not just me and my leisure activities.

As of the first ten days of June, there have been only a few traces of oil on the beach. Ship skimmer boats farther out and closer to the Gulf of Mexico; have so far been successful in removing oil slicks from the top of the water. This keeps the oil away from the beaches but no one seems to know exactly how deep beneath the surface the petroleum is sinking.

An old friend of mine, a charter boat captain, who lives on Orange Beach, between Gulf Shores, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida, reported that earlier in the week a few oil globs and tar balls spotted on the beaches there. Clean-up crews rushed to contain them. All city and state officials proclaimed that their beaches were still pristine and sugar like in appearance. Then the weekend came!

Slabs of oil are now rolling onto Orange Beach with each wave. The stench of the oil smell is sickening to many of those who have been brave enough to venture down to the sand. Some tourists on the beach say the odor is not bad, but others vehemently disagree.

One can almost feel the fear in the voices of interviewees who have been corralled by the media. While trying to appear calm, there is an underlying uneasiness from those who see their livelihoods being pushed aside by this gigantic oil leak.

The ocean has always held an enchantment for me and millions of others who visit it from time to time and marvel at its mysteries and enjoy its bounties. We don't depend on the ocean and beaches for any kind of livelihood, but as for me, I am scared of what the future will be for this stricken bit of paradise.

For me and everyone who has ever walked the beach, swam in the surf, got a bite from an unidentified denizen of the deep or has eaten wild Gulf Coast shrimp, this oil crisis is indeed getting personal.

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:
http://www.bluemarlinbob.com
http://www.redfishbob.com

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