Since the BP oil spill fishermen have been largely effected by this
problem. Even though the spill has been capped fishermen are still
taking extensive precautions to work around the side effects &
future problems facing the gulf.
The well was capped in the BP oil
spill on July 15th and by July 30th the oil appeared to have stopped leaking
all together. Since then it has been confirmed that the seal is holding and the
leak is over. While this is good news, the effects of the BP spill are expected
to be felt by area fishermen well into the fall and winter months.
Fishermen have stated that they expect the ramifications of the spill will get
worse this winter. This is due to the shifting of the tides and the change in
sea temperatures which will cause the oil to reach fishing waters.
A specialist working for BP has admitted that the oil, which at the height of
the leak was coming out of the well at 62,000 barrels per day, released into
the Gulf region will likely be coming in for years. This will have a long
lasting effect on commercial fishing as well as sport fishing.
It is estimated that as much as 180 million gallons of oil in total may have
spilled into the Gulf effecting an initial area of 2,500 to 68,000 square
miles.
Clean up workers are still on beaches cleaning up "tar balls" which
roll in with the tide. They clean them up one day and return to find more the
next day. This only illustrates the fact that the oil spill's total impact has
not yet been felt.
As a result of the spill, fish from the Gulf region will be tested before they
are permitted to be sold. This additional step will add additional costs to the
fishing industry. This will likely be passed on to the consumer.
It will also have a major impact on sport fishing. As the oil continues to
reach fishing waters with the change of seasons and tides, certain areas will
likely be closed off to commercial and sport fishing.
The commercial fishing industry will have to take precautions with extensive
testing. Those who fish for sport do not have the same luxury and face a
greater risk.
One suggestion is that those who fish for sport in waters that are potentially
polluted due to the oil spill may be required to throw back any catch or submit
their catch for testing. Areas of fishing may simply be cut off as the impact
of the oil spill continues to make its full impact.
