Louisiana Presses BP for Oyster Money

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Louisiana’s congressional delegation is asking BP to help Louisiana’s oyster industry immediately.

In November, Louisiana asked BP PLC to give it $15 million so the state could start repairing oyster beds damaged by the Gulf oil spill.

But Louisiana’s congressional delegation says BP still hasn’t given the state the money, or even responded to the request.

U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said that oyster beds need to be restored before this spring’s spawning season. Oyster production has dropped off badly since the oil spill happened following a well blowout April 20, 2010.

United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., again Tuesday night demanded BP help Louisiana restore vital oyster habitats in the Gulf Coast that were damaged from the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In November 2010, the State of Louisiana requested $15 million from BP to immediately begin rehabilitating oyster beds. BP has yet to respond to the state’s request.

Sen. Landrieu, along with members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, wrote to BP in support of the state’s request and called for BP to respond by Feb. 22, 2011. To mitigate future damage to this industry, it is essential that habitat restoration measures are in place before this spring’s critical spawning season.

In the Feb. 8 letter, the delegation wrote: “In hopes of mitigating future damages and facilitating the robust recovery of this vital industry, we strongly encourage you to reconsider this $15 million investment opportunity. Timing will be critical. Unfortunately, due to the direct and indirect impacts of the oil spill, oyster production … continues to trail historic averages.”

“It is critical that BP help restore and rebuild these oyster habitats that were damaged from the oil spill. Oysters are more than just a delicacy; they are part of Louisiana’s vibrant culture and a way of life,” said Mike Voisin, CEO of Motivatit Seafoods in Houma, La., one of America’s largest oyster processors. “BP should make this small down payment, and we appreciate Sen. Landrieu’s leadership to make this happen.”

Louisiana produces 40 percent of the United States’ domestic oyster supply, and is home to more than 1.6 million public and 400,000 private acres of fishing grounds.