Many different stakeholders were economically affected as a result of the spill, both directly and indirectly. Fisherman in the area, as well as hotels, restaurants, and other businesses tied to tourism, felt the most immediate effect. Days after the wellhead explosion, federal and state governments began closing fishing grounds, as well as some of the Gulf’s richest fishing grounds for species such as shrimp, menhaden and oysters. The commercial production of fish reduced by 20% due to fishery closures. In total, the Gulf of Mexico commercial fishing industry was estimated to have lost $247 million due to the post spill fishing closures (Cleveland and Saundry, 2015).
With the heavy media coverage, including images of the ruined coastline
With the heavy media coverage, including images of the ruined coastline