Recent Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico Made Consumers More Likely To Consider Imported Shrimp Vs Fresh Gulf Shrimp

Table of Contents

Section 1 Introduction3

Section 2 Literature Review4

Section 3 Methodology6

Section 4 Analysis8

Section 5 Conclusion8

References11

Recent Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico Made Consumers More Likely To Consider Imported Shrimp Vs Fresh Gulf Shrimp

Section 1 Introduction

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig was destroyed by an explosion and fire, and the oil well began releasing oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The oil spill caused significant economic harm to the Gulf fishing industry because of fishery closures and consumer concerns related to the safety of Gulf seafood. Intermediate and long-term concerns are related to impacts on marine populations and degradation of fisheries habitat necessary for spawning, development of early life stages, and growth. The closing and opening of fishing grounds has involved a tradeoff between ensuring public safety and providing fishing opportunities to recreational and commercial fishermen. In addition to public health concerns, uncertainties related to Gulf seafood safety could further compromise the reputation of Gulf seafood. Most areas have been reopened and landings of commercial and recreational species are recovering. For Gulf waters re-opened through November 15, 2010, sensory analyses of seafood samples have found no detectable oil or dispersant odors or flavors, and results of chemical analyses have been well below levels of concern. However, some scientists and the public remain skeptical of claims that Gulf seafood is safe. This may inhibit the recovery of Gulf recreational and commercial fisheries.

Each year Americans consume about 580-600 thousands tons of shrimp and kinds, of which 90% of shrimp consumed are imported, about 8% of shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico and a small 2% coming from inland areas to exploit other .

The explosion of oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon on 04/20/2010 was causing great damage to the fishing of shrimp and oysters, two kinds of fish caught by the U.S. government in this area. By June 2010, 32% of the area fishing waters in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp was banned by the authorities concerned the oil spread affecting the sanitary quality of shrimp caught.

The ban led to supply shrimp fishing in the Gulf of significant losses, pushing prices up. By early June 2010, prices of all kinds of shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico has increased from 40-45% in January compared with the time and about 30% over time in April, when oil spills occur.

The increase in price despite a very strong but it is worth mentioning, in late 2009 - early 2010, the price of shrimp fishing in the Gulf are in the lowest interval within a year. Two important reason leading to the reduced price of shrimp catch is affected by economic crisis and strong competition from imported shrimp found that American consumers are increasingly popular. With the proportion of occupied not more, about 8% of total U.S. shrimp consumers, price increases can tell from the Gulf of ...