Fishing vessels used to capture reef fish rest at port. (Photo by Steve Saul)

Understanding How Deepwater Horizon Affected Fishing Community Decisions

Authorities closed large portions of the Gulf of Mexico to commercial and recreational fishing following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to contain and mitigate oil contamination of fish and seafood products. The fishing closures may have caused many fishers to search for alternative income solutions, such as relocating or chartering their vessels for the cleanup process.