News
Gulf of Mexico Fish Resource Declared a Disaster
May 26, 2010
BP oil spill has devastated NZ$2 billion worth of fisheries.
The United States government has officially declared a disaster over the damage done to Gulf of Mexico fisheries by the ruptured BP oil well. Currently 20% of the United States' commercial fishing resource in the Gulf has been closed by the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
In a statement released yesterday, US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said, “We are taking this action today [Monday] because of the potentially significant economic hardship this spill may cause fishermen and the businesses and communities that depend on those fisheries. The disaster determination will help ensure that the Federal government is in a position to mobilize the full range of assistance that fishermen and fishing communities may need.”
The closed area includes significant portions of the fishery in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, dramatically reducing the quantity of US sourced shrimp, oysters and crab available on the North American market.
