October 2019

The Gulf Coast region historically is known for producing more seafood than anywhere else in the continental U.S., both in volume and dollar value. However, since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April 2010, fishing communities along the coast who depend upon healthy and vibrant marine habitats have experienced significant financial instability. Over the last decade, oil spills, hurricanes, and severe algal blooms have contributed to significant declines in Gulf seafood landings and stock quality.