Texas Oyster Damage Attorney

Louisiana Oil Spill Lawyer

According to news reports, oil from the Transocean Horizon BP massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was coming ashore, threatening Louisiana’s wildlife, including oyster reefs. Government officials indicate that the Transocean Horizon BP offshore site continues to spill about 5,000 barrels or 200,000 gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico every day. At that rate, the spill may become the worst oil spill in U.S. history.

It could take up to three months to drill a relief well, which would plug the leaks. The spill threatens oyster beds, reefs and leases. Gulf oysters are not exposed to surface waters and the oysters could survive unless the oil sinks. However, the spill may pose significant danger to the industry if it damages oyster seed nursery grounds or sinks into the oyster beds. The fragile area affected by the oil spill is where oyster farmers harvest oysters from oyster leases. This area provides approximately 60% of the oysters consumed in the United States. This area includes Plaquemines Parish, St. Bernard Parish, and parts of Mississippi.

Louisiana’s oyster reefs that may be affected by the oil spill, including those in the Breton Sound and Black Bay area, produce roughly 250,000,000 pounds of oysters and generate $300,000,000.00 per year for oyster related businesses, including oyster harvesters and fisherman.

If you are an oyster farmer, fisherman or own an oyster bed or oyster lease that has been affected by the oil spill, contact the lawyers at Bohrer Law Firm or call 225-372-1939 or 1-800-579-8340 for a free confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights.