Today the Gulf Coast recognizes the somber anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which began two years ago, taking the lives of 11 oil rig workers and the livelihoods of many fishermen.??
Also this week, Gulf of Mexico fishermen are reporting snapper caught with lesions and other physical anomalies, as they have since fishing grounds reopened after the spill.??
Last year, most people took the attitude of “wait and see.” This year, the alarm bells are not softening.??
NMFS hopes to be able to include some Deepwater Horizon oil spill information in its 2013 assessment of the snapper fishery.??
In the meantime, many fishing businesses hang in the balance, and fishermen are being encouraged to settle with BP before anyone understands the scope of the damage.??
How is one supposed to put an estimate on ongoing and unspecified damage???
And furthermore, with what entity should fishermen feel comfortable staking their claims? The government, which is administering the Gulf Coast Claims Facility; or BP, which is settling with claimants throughout the region???
Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow fishermen and others affected by the spill, who have been left with far more questions than answers.
