June 2, 2010
According to an article by Abramson from the New York Times yesterday, the BP oil spill has closed a lifestyle for many fishermen for a longer period of time “than anyone here can remember.” Daniel Workman wrote a month ago of the contamination this leak has unleashed on marine wildlife. A belief, that is implicitly echoed by Steve Adams writer for The Patriot Ledger who quoted the President and CEO of South Boston importer Stavis Seafoods, Richard Stavis, as saying “there could be a shortage. It could get significantly more expensive and it could knock it off menus,” in reference to seafood demand. Unless there is quick clean up and restoration to the marine environment in the Gulf, the odds of an increase in price for that seafood buffet increase in cost unless businesses exercise importing cheap seafood from other parts of the United States that have fisheries or other countries altogether. The hope that fishermen in the Gulf will be able to return to work swiftly is still alive but numerous other factors can influence the conclusion of this disaster. Factors such as time management, clean-up costs, and even the task of capping the oil leak to prevent future spillage, will need to be planned and executed with efficiency and regard for the environment. As to send a fisherman or fisherwoman to do what they’re good at in a polluted environment, is sending their income down the drain altogether from other issues that may arise such as food poisoning.
