Gulf Oil Spill Effects on Sustainability
Posted on | June 28, 2010 | No Comments
The United States’ worst oil spill in history will undoubtedly have far-reaching effects, geographically and over time. The Gulf of Mexico ecosystem has been disrupted and will face fundamental changes for the foreseeable future. SOP breaks down the spill’s effects on the sustainability of domestic fisheries.
Effects will persist despite clean up efforts
The Deepwater Horizon spill impacts fisheries directly through lethal and sub-lethal effects of the oil on fish and shellfish in the Gulf of Mexico. At this point, areas that have been closed to fishing, mostly as a precaution, are home to much of the Gulf’s shrimp and oyster populations. These species filter water to catch food. If there is oil in the water, it will likely end up in these seafood species and possibly killing off portions of the populations.
The Gulf of Mexico is also an important spawning ground for many finfish species. Most notably, the bluefin tuna, whose population numbers are already dangerously low, commonly spawn in areas of the Gulf covered by the spill. Eggs or larvae that encounter oil will likely die. Because species like tuna and marlin are a long-lived, effects of the oil spill might not be seen for many years. This recent disaster reinforces the need to properly protect these majestic species and manage harvest based on science. Senator Shelby (AL) has already called upon Commerce Secretary Locke to determine how NOAA will conduct stock assessments in the absence of harvest data.
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill also affects fisheries outside of the region. Fishing pressure is being displaced to other areas. Nearly 70% of oysters consumed in the U.S. come from the Gulf of Mexico. Red Lobster will be taking Gulf oysters off its menus once its current supply runs out. However, many restaurants will keep oysters on their menu and look for oysters from regions like the Chesapeake Bay and Cape Cod. Farmed oysters in these areas are on most ‘green’ sustainability lists. But increased harvest pressure could jeopardize this ranking. Similarly, Gulf of Mexico shrimp are on most ‘OK to eat’ sustainability lists. Restaurants seeking ‘green’ shrimp may have to obtain their supply from elsewhere.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is an environmental disaster of epic proportions. Its effects on marine species and the lives of Gulf residents are nothing short of tragic. SOP encourages you to continue eating the sustainable Gulf seafood options even if you have to pay a little more.
Tags: bluefin > Deepwater Horizon > ecosystem > fish > fisheries > Gulf of Mexico > habitat > NOAA > oil spill > oyster > restaurant > seafood > shrimp > sustainable > tuna
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