The 2010 blowout at the Macondo oil well site triggered an unprecedented maritime catastrophe. Huge swaths of the Gulf of Mexico, a major hub of transportation and commercial and recreational fishing, were closed to commercial use. The spill continues to threaten the health of marine life in the Gulf, where 40 percent of U.S. seafood originates.<\/p>\n
Those who make their living on the sea have suffered horribly as a result of the BP oil disaster. Fishermen of all types were unable to catch anything during critical times of the season. The perception and sales of Gulf Coast seafood have declined significantly. Many fish close to the well have deformities from chemical poisoning. Large numbers of fishermen have reported chronic medical problems following the spill. The Downs Law Group works for the recreational and commercial fishing community to get compensation for those suffering in the aftermath of the spill. If you need compensation, one of our lawyers can advise you about your specific legal options.<\/p>\n
The closure of key fishing grounds at the outset of the crisis was estimated to cost the Louisiana fishing industry between $115 and $172 million in lost revenue. For several years prior, the industry from that state had reported revenues of roughly $270 million. The other states along the Gulf of Mexico have been hit similarly hard.<\/p>\n
As well, fish are being reported to have serious deformities and high chemical concentrations in their bodies. Deformities have been found in Gulf Coast fish, including:
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