The BP oil spill has been growingly responsible for economic and environmental damage to the state of Alabama since the initial oil rig explosion on April 20, 2010.
The infamous BP oil well is still unplugged and continues to leak millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
Dr. Ken R. Marion is an expert in animal natural history and aquatic environmental biology and a current professor for UAB’s department of biology.
He stressed that the environmental recovery is “very critical to the economy of the state and especially the coastal areas.”
After recently traveling to the gulf, Marion noticed that local businesses, hotels, and restaurants are all down in business.
“The loss of income in those areas will impact state tax receipts, which will affect both the education and the general fund state revenues. This is likely to result in future declines in educational budgets and state services,” Marion said.
Tourism cancellation rates have reached 80 percent at vacation properties along some parts of the Gulf Coast, affecting jobs.
Alabama gulf coast tourism was a $9 billion industry in 2009, with Baldwin County accountable for 25 percent of state tourism expenditures and tourism related jobs resulting in $8.4 million to Alabama’s general fund.
Gulf sport fishing has been responsible for $41 billion a year for the region.
The recreational activity results in 300,000 jobs from an estimated 6 million visiting anglers.
Every day the gulf coast is closed for fishing, the region loses $8.5 million a day.
“Our state depends on the gulf for many jobs that go beyond a trip to the beach, which is also important. Many of these businesses have roots back to Birmingham,” said Dr. Stephen Watts, a professor and an expert of aquatic and marine biology.
“Many people in the state take pride in our beaches and water-related commerce. Most people in the state do not realize that more water runs through the state of Alabama than any other in the lower 48 [states]. Consequently, our aquatic industries are very important. We must be good stewards of our water resources,” he added.
The seafood industry is also in fear of what the oil damages could result in.
The BP oil spill has cut seafood supply causing grocery stores and restaurants to mark up prices 30-40 percent, mainly on oysters and shrimp.
Wintzell’s Oyster House has been serving seafood dishes to and from the Gulf Coast for over 70 years.
The popular restaurant franchise has 12 southeastern locations, with 10 located within the state of Alabama.
Bob Omainsky is the current president of Wintzell’s and confirmed that 90 percent of their seafood product originates from the Gulf of Mexico.
“It’s an unprecedented situation. We are just taking it day by day.”
Until the leak is stopped, the environmental effects will yet to be fully realized in Alabama including threats of the impending hurricane season.
“We are dealing with the unknown here,” said Marion.