Oil Spill Impacts on Commercial Fishing

By David S Caldwell

The Gulf of Mexico oil disaster of 2010 is the largest oil spill in U.S. history. Millions of gallons of crude oil have leaked from the site of the spill and have spread throughout the gulf and towards shore. Oil and tar balls have already washed up on shores from Louisiana to Florida, littering the beaches and contaminating wildlife. Not only does this pollution have a major negative impact on coastal ecosystems and sea life, but it also threatens the livelihoods of the thousands of fishers who rely on the Gulf Coast waters for profitable catches.

Contamination and Catch Loss

Fishermen rely on clean waters for healthy catches that they can sell to support themselves and their families. With the extensive contamination caused by the spill, many fishing businesses have already begun to experience catch losses. Many fish have died from oil exposure before being caught, while others are contaminated and therefore unsellable. Even in areas where the catches are not tainted by oil, some fishers are struggling to sell their fish to wary consumers.

Economic Impacts

Pollution from the oil spill may affect the Gulf Coast commercial fishing industry for many years to come. Some small fishing businesses are already struggling to withstand the current catch losses, and many more may be affected in the future. Many Gulf Coast fishers may soon find that they are no longer able to support their families with such a reduced profit.

If you are involved in Gulf Coast commercial fishing and have suffered an economic loss because of the oil spill, you have the right to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit. An experienced oil spill economic impacts attorney can help you bring the liable parties to justice so that you and your family receive the financial payment that you deserve.

For More Information - To learn more about oil spill contamination and recovering financial compensation for your catch losses, visit the website of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill attorneys of Williams Kherkher today.

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