Even if we can avert the worst consequences possible from the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana’s commercial and sport fishing industries have already suffered significant damage. Both of them adhere to tight budgets that do not allow for much leeway.
In our fishing economy, there are only certain times of the year when production can be profitable. Having an oil spill at the beginning or in the middle of them does not allow for make-up later in the year.
Hopefully the well will be capped and the oil that has escaped so far will be contained with little further damage to those industries. Obviously, British Petroleum has a monetary reason for making is so. But so far it seems to also be exercising an honest obligation to make up for their negligence and help keep those industries afloat.
Imagine the consequences if the nation were deprived of Louisiana bred seafood in future years. That would be some forty-five percent of what is consumed every year. And if sport fishermen could not head out into the bayous and toward the rigs to cast their baits, marinas and boat dealers would be out of business soon.
We have been very fortunate these many years for the seafood and oil industries to exist so well together. And there are answers to keep it that way.
If we survive this emergency well enough, we must seek out those answers that offer very little possibility that it could happen again. It will take a lot of brain work and dedication on the part of commercial fishermen, sportsmen, oil company executives and public officials to accomplish that. But it must be done to insure a prosperous future for Louisiana.
If deep sea drilling is necessary to provide for our future energy needs, we must find ways to do it with little possibility of hurting other industries that depend upon our wetlands and seas for production.
Hornets get Louisiana ownership
It’s good to see a native Louisianian enter the field of majority ownership of a major professional sports franchise. Such was the case when Gary Chouest bought out George Shinn’s share of the New Orleans Hornets this week.
Now, Chouest, a billionaire from Galliano who is in the oil service industry, will have control of the team’s future. It will help insure that the team will remain a part of our state’s sports picture in the future.
Louisiana is fortunate to have two major league teams. Most states with that number have more population to support them.
In addition to providing us with entertainment, they give us a national presence that does not let others forget we are here. And the Saints’ sensational Super Bowl victory this year added insurance to that fact.
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