Gulf Seafood Safer Than Ever Before
The fish and other seafood coming out of the Gulf of Mexico is probably more safe now than it has ever been. With testing by multiple federal agencies, state authorities, wholesalers and various universities, we are getting layers of assurances that there are no dangers from the BP oil spill disaster raging in the northern Gulf. In fact, Gulf seafood, in my opinion, is far safer than most of the imported fish served in many restaurants and sold in grocery stores!
Now that the flow of oil has stopped, at least temporarily, the real question about seafood is -
What Long Term Effects Will the Oil Spill Have on Sustainability of Gulf Seafood?
Studies have shown that mature fish have the ability to metabolize small amounts of hydrocarbons. They also tend to migrate away from uncomfortable waters (this may account for the fabulous fishing around the Sand Key area these last few months). While adult seafood populations seem to be surviving to a great degree, the real issue is the eggs and larvae of the various species that have been destroyed.
What has the oil spill done to the next generation of seafood and the delicate balance of the Gulf fisheries already burdened by some over fishing and poor resource management?
When tallying the damages that BP must ante up, we should not forget the potential harm from the oil’s effects on the future of seafood production and recreational fishing. Studies need to begin now on how to replenish the ecosystem and sustain the future of Gulf fisheries.
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First the first Gulf oil spill, now we see that the second one has exploded in Louisiana. I sure hope that this doesn’t mean more environmental destruction. On the other hand, this country needs this domestic energy. This such a complicated scenario to figure out. I’m not sure what the solution is.