The Gulf Coast has weathered many storms, floods and industrial disasters, proving to be a resilient environment, which is home to strong and determined people. Some of the problems facing the area include land loss, wetland deterioration, habitat loss, decreasing biodiversity, tropical storms and hurricanes, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill disaster and uncertainty about the future. Despite these hardships coastal residents, community based organizations, and non-profits have committed themselves to creating a sustainable future for the Gulf Coast. The federal government has released significant documents which outline this national commitment as well. Coast 2050 is a pre-Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, long-term plan for a sustainable coast. The recently released document, “Restore the Gulf: A Long-term Recovery Plan After the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill” provides information about on-going federal response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster. Federally recognized Native American tribal representatives are participating in the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, lead by Lisa P. Jackson, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling was formed by President Obama through Executive Order 13543 on May 21, 2010. They recent released their Final Report on January 11, 2011. This 400+ page document includes recommendations about increasing drilling safety, safeguarding the environment, strengthening oil spill prevention and response and restoring the Gulf Coast.

Greater New Orleans, Inc. recently released the A Study of the Economic Impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill examining the potential effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster on the regional economy of Louisiana. This study is part one in a three part series; part two will examine the effects of the deep water drilling moratorium and the third part will analyze the status of the Louisiana brand. This first document details the physical dynamics of a deepwater spill, including the diverse clean up methods. Chapter two predicts the ecological effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster on species critical to the fishing and seafood industries, and the financial repercussions. The study then places these estimates in context of the influx of claims and Vessel of Opportunity payments, adjusting financial losses accordingly. The final chapter summarizes GNO, Inc.’s recent focus group project with coastal fishermen who discussed their plans for the future.

Members of GNO, Inc. also contributed to America’s Energy Coast: Secure the Gulf Project, which was sponsored by America’s Wetland Foundation and outlines strategies for preventing the loss of national coastal resources.

The Gulf Coast has a rich history and a culture that is vital to the entire nation. Louisiana fishermen have often worked their whole lives as stewards of this culture. GNO, Inc.’s recent Fisheries Focus Groups revealed that fishermen are disaster veterans. Having persevered through so many disasters, it is difficult for many commercial fishermen to accept the gravity of this one. That’s not to say that they aren’t acutely aware of the possibilities of total loss, but they are in no rush to accept the worst-case scenario. Fishermen do not believe that commercial fishing could be over in Louisiana.

The biological realities; however, are still a great unknown. Greater New Orleans, Inc. presents a hypothetical scenario based on the most current ecological data in the first chapter of the Study of the Economic Impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. We expect these results to be modified as more scientific data becomes available.  The U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Environmental Protection Agency, and many other agencies and organizations provide up-to-date data on the current testing and studies regarding the ecological impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Very few of these groups present hypothetical future situations. The 1989 Exxon-Valdez spill in Alaska can provide us with some information about the possible future impacts on fish and wildlife following a large-scale oil spill. A 2003 article in Scientific American explains that ecosystems are still suffering—with mussel beds taking up to an estimated thirty years to renew themselves. An article in Science Daily supports these findings and calls for improved water quality monitoring systems. A team of scientists, headed by Charles H. Peterson, published “Long-Term Ecosystem Response to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill” in Science which provides a comprehensive review of academic publishing’s on the biological impacts of the Exxon-Valdez spill. Greater New Orleans, Inc. is partnering with the South Louisiana Economic Council (SLEC) to develop economic recovery strategies for the long-term sustainability of the Gulf Coast.

While these studies can be very valuable, it is important to note that the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill’s effects are unique, both because of the natural environment it interacts with and the new clean-up methods used. Very few studies have been done on the effect of chemical dispersants on wetland ecology. GNO, Inc. found in the recent Fisheries Focus Groups that many fishermen were  more worried about the effect of dispersants than oil. One participant in Lafitte said “We’ve had oil naturally seeping into the Gulf for centuries. There are natural organisms that will deal with it. But these dispersants… that’s what could destroy the fisheries”. There was also broad agreement that there is much more oil under the water that can’t be seen, and it’s unknown how much of that will enter the estuaries. Oil under the water was also expected to heavily impact trawling since dragging trawl doors along the oil-soaked sea floor will destroy product and equipment.

Many environmental groups have focused their efforts on the Gulf Coast. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and organization that has been working to champion environmental causes since 1967 through sound science, economic incentives, corporate partnerships and legislation and policy initiatives. Their Restoration and Resilience blog is dedicated to supporting the Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. For weekly updates about the state of coastal Louisisna, EDF offers free, online subscriptions to their “Delta Dispatches” newsletter.  The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) has also established a drop-in center in Buras, LA as an on-the-ground resource and gathering space for communities affected by the BP oil disaster. The Delta Working Group (DWG) is a coalition of over seventy academics, scientists, non-profit leaders, artists, and representatives of the seafood industry living and working in the Greater New Orleans region.  DWG has launched a web portal, www.oilspilldonation.org, to facilitate donations for local non-profit organizations engaged in direct service and monitoring activity in response to the British Petroleum Offshore Drilling Disaster (BPODD).

In the wake of the BP oil disaster, steps are being taken to protect the future of the Gulf Coast. The Louisiana State Court of Appeal, in June 2011, ordered the State Department of Environmental Quality to test the environmental impact of discharges from produced waters from oil and gas production activities within Louisiana territorial waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) alleges that dangerous amounts of radioactive material are released into the Gulf waters when commercial oil and gas discharges of deck drainage, produced water, well treatment and workover fluids, hydrostatic test and other waste waters related to exploration, development and production by oil and gas companies are dumped directly into the sea.

It is important for everyone who suspects their health problems are related to the oil spill to keep a daily journal of their symptoms and all receipts from medication and doctors visits. This will help should one file a GCCF Personal Injury or Death claim. TO learn more about the possible health effects of oil exposure, please consult this guide.

Coastal communities and workers have expressed concern about the health implications of crude oil and dispersants in their environment. To date there are no programs or comprehensive care options for those suffering. As of January 23, 2011, GCCF has paid only 65 health related claims to 55 claimants. The National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling addressed oil spill impacts on human health in their Final Report but simply recommended the EPA should develop health-response plans for the future. This angered some participants at the public meeting held in New Orleans following the release of this report. An oil spill commissioner pledged to address health issues; however, this has yet to be seen.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has established an Oil Spill Resource guide.

Below is a testimonial video from Brandon Casanova, as he talks with Dr. Michael Robichaux about the health problems that he has been experiencing:

Many commercial fishery workers have skills applicable to other industries, especially marine services. Development of boat captaining, mechanical, and welding skills through trainings and certifications could help to create a more flexible coastal labor force that can adjust to disasters, economic market shocks and general business interruption.

In July 2010 GNO, Inc. completed a Fisheries Focus Group Study with 75 Louisiana fishermen participants. Generally, if the impact of the oil spill is profound, commercial fishermen are not particularly prepared for finding new careers. They have few skills outside of commercial fishing, and have a hard time seeing how informal skills like mechanics or carpentry are viable skills for new businesses. Commercial fishermen also face numerous barriers to finding new jobs, ranging from the lack of formal education or literacy, to advancing age, poor health, and lack of resources to move forward.

Additionally, transitioning jobs is not an ideal solution for many fishermen. When asked about leaving the fisheries industry, one participant in New Orleans East said “That is the worst case scenario – changing your career”. No one was interested in leaving the fisheries industry. This was primarily due to the ambiguity of the scale of the oil spill, a personal reluctance toward leaving commercial fishing, and the feeling that fishermen can’t do anything else. Even when the declining state of the industry before the oil spill was discussed – including the rising cost of diesel and the reduced purchase price of product at the dock – participants still did not have any interest in leaving commercial fishing. Almost everyone felt that they were committed to fishing for life, and will only leave the industry if they are forced to. GNO, Inc. has released a Guide to Basic Licenses and Endorsements in the US Maritimes in order to support any necessary transitions through job training and certification programs.

The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) is the leading workforce association that represents the nation’s nearly 600 business-led Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) and also serves other associated organizations in the workforce industry with one common goal: Helping America Work. This website also provides helpful “One Stops” with comprehensive information on working in specific industries such as energy. The Louisiana Workforce Commission oversees the LA Works Rapid Response Program which provides job assistance services for workers and employers including Oil Spill Response jobs. Resources include layoff coordination meetings, on-site worker orientations, on-site job search workshops, job fairs, additional/partner agency workshops, on-site workforce transition centers and assessment/job counseling.

Locations: Business & Career Solutions Centers:

Gretna: 504-227-1283
West Jefferson Career Solutions Center, 1900 Lafayette St, Gretna, LA

Algiers: 504-658-4580
West Bank Orleans Career Solutions center – Job 1, 3520 Gen. DeGaulle Dr,
Algiers, LA

Belle Chasse: 504-392-5803
Plaquemines Career Solutions Center, 1112 Engineers Road, Room 19, Belle
Chasse, LA

Chalmette: 504-355-4439
St. Bernard Career Solutions Center, 8201 W. Judge Perez Dr, Chalmette, LA

LaPlace: 985-652-3471
St. John the Baptist Parish Career Solutions Center, 975 Cambridge Dr, LaPlace,
LA

Metairie: 504-838-5678-111
East Jefferson Business & Career Solutions Center, 1801 Airline Dr, Suite A,
Metairie, LA

New Orleans: 504-658-4500
East Bank Orleans Career Solutions Center Job 1, 2330 Canal St, New Orleans, LA

Slidell: 985-646-6410
St. Tammany Career Solutions Center, 316 E. Howze Beach Ln, Slidell, LA

Following Hurricane Katrina, the most recent, large-scale disaster in Louisiana, less than half of commercial fishermen were able to continue their professions, though interestingly, seafood landings did not decrease significantly. A group of scientists headed by Rex H. Caffey, released the paper “Estimating the Economic Damage of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Commercial and Recreation Fishing Industries” which provides comprehensive analysis of post-disaster industry shifts. This reported mass-exodus from the commercial fishing industry (a total of 6,402 vessels reported landings in Louisiana pre-Katrina/Rita and only 2,997 in the year after the storms) was due in a large part to storm damaged vessels, many of which were uninsured. Thus, one should not automatically expect the same decrease in commercial fishing landings with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

While the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster was a negative impact on coastal Louisiana’s economy, there has been a significant finical influx from claims payments and Vessel of Opportunity income. A Study of the Economic Impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill examined the combined economic dynamics of a damaged fishing industry with these new sources of revenue. This, however, is a short-term, false economy which is buffered by one-time lump-sum payments. Similar to post-Katrina insurance payouts, claims checks change industry dynamics as peoples’ needs and spending habits are altered. For example, fishermen who were able to get Vessel of Opportunity oil clean-up contracts still spent money on diesel to run their boats, but did not need to buy ice as there were no fish to preserve. Thus, the gas supplier might have seen only small changes and the ice supplier may have gone out of business. Through this process, the dynamics of coastal economies are changing, even if there is not currently a dramatic financial loss.

GCCF claims payments may help cover temporary personal and business losses; however, long-term financial planning remains imperative. Due to the unique nature of these payments (large lump-sums) financial counseling is strongly recommended. Individuals face many investment options, ranging from paying down debt to business investment to purchasing life or health insurance. There is currently a great need for free and low-cost personal financial counseling for those impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Information on finical assistance for business owners can be found on our Business Assistance page.

Currently, making long-term plans can be a daunting task given all the uncertainties about the future of the coast. In order to stabilize living situations, people are advised to seek household and mortgage counseling. When examining finances, it is important to remember that claims payments and Vessel of Opportunity incomes are taxable. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) states that “BP payments for lost income are taxable in the same way the wages or business income these payments are replacing would have been. The law treats compensation for lost wages or income differently for tax purposes than compensation for physical injuries or property loss, which generally are nontaxable.” Given this, easy-to-access, affordable tax consultations are a greatly needed resource, particularly for individual fishermen and other workers. Amid tax filing complexities, it is important to always know your rights and seek out appropriate expertise in addition to tax filing and record-keeping assistance.

The IRS has established a Gulf Oil Spill Information Center and a hotline (866-562-5227). The special services phone line will operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Claims payments and Vessel of Opportunity income are taxable.

Long-term, the concerns of impacted workers and small businesses point strongly to the need and opportunity for investing in training and assets that can increase profitability and employability. Coastal Louisiana has always had a strong, effective workforce; however, in the face of the recent oil spill disaster individuals might need to diversify their skills. Information on job trainings and certifications is available on our Job Transition page.

The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster has put many people in vulnerable positions due to lack of work and/or property damage. State social services can help fill the gap in income while transitioning jobs. If you are in need of urgent help please call 2-1-1 for assistance. Also see Resources in Your Area for information on local social services. Some non-profits have established programs to support families directly impacted by the oil spill. marketumbrella.org, for example, has begun a “Mariners Match” program which provides $40 to spend at a local farmer’s market to anyone with a commercial fishing license and photo ID. Information on this program is available in English and Vietnamese.

Greater New Orleans, Inc. had released a study on the Economic Impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill which details income and job losses. When examining this information it is important to contextualize this disaster which disproportionally affected small, rural, coastal towns. These areas also suffered the majority of job losses and income decline. The loss of a few thousand jobs to small, low-income economies it can be a fatal blow, similar to the devastating industry shut-downs in towns across the country. Additionally, our job loss estimates are based on Full Time Equivalents (FTEs), not the total number of workers affected. For many coastal workers, a small reduction in hours (for example, working four days a week instead of five), could place themselves and their families in financial trouble, risking their homes, health and security. This example emphasizes the difference between “job loss” and “under-employment” both of which have the potential to be devastating.

The influx of GCCF Claims money and Vessel of Opportunity income may buffer these effects temporarily, this short-term “false economy” is not sustainable. It also creates different spending habits which affects components of the fishing industry differently. For example, the business of running an ice house may become unsustainable because while fishermen are getting paid to take their boats out to assist in the spill clean-up, they no longer have a need for ice.

GNO, Inc. found in Part Two of the Economic Impact Series that many businesses suffering the impacts of the drilling moratoria have been able to retain workers, but have done so by utilizing savings and cutting costs elsewhere. Should the number of drilling permits remain low, we foresee businesses forced to make significant lay-offs.

For unfortunately too many workers and small businesses devastated by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the GCCF claims process alone will not sufficiently bring them through uncertain economic times and certainly will not position them to grow or expand. A wide diversity of businesses are affected ranging from restaurant franchises to small seafood distributors. Fortunately, there is increasing assistance available for small business owners. This assistance needs to strengthen as many coastal economies are structured around these ventures and businesses are also employers which could help to stabilize the job market.

GNO, Inc.‘s second part of the Economic Impact Series examining the effects of the drilling moratoria (download here) found that many coastal businesses were relying on savings to keep their employees on payroll. Additionally, businesses which were impacted by the moratoria (e.g. policy changes) more than the oil spill (e.g. environmental changes) have had little to no options for loss compensation. GCCF consistently denies moratorium related claims.

The GCCF claims process can be challenging for small business owners. The state has sponsored a network of community based organizations which are currently providing technical assistance in the claims process. Please visit our BP Claims page for summaries and contact information for these organizations, or Resources in Your Area to find assistance in your community.

In addition, several governmental business financial assistance programs are available, including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program which is intended to help businesses with loans up to $2 million to meet financial obligations that the business or private non-profit organization could have met had the Deepwater BP Oil Spill not occurred. They have produced a fact sheet and an office location list specific to the assistance available following Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Other targeted governmental financial assistance for businesses include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Trade Adjustment Assistance, which can provide qualified Louisiana fishermen up to $12,000 in cash   benefits and technical training. Applications are due by December 23, 2010.

Technical assistance is highly recommended in concert with any financial assistance or compensation in order to  position yourself to not only recover from the financial strain caused by the oil spill but to effectively capitalize on the opportunities that changing economy and landscape in coastal Louisiana is presenting for workers and businesses. In terms of financial assistance, several non-profit alternate lending organizations have established counseling outreach programs that are making low-interest, credit competitive loans available to qualifying individuals and businesses. For a comprehensive resource list of organizations supporting small businesses see the Resources for Impacted Businesses and Workers. For example, Seedco Financial has opened the Southeast Louisiana Fisheries Assistance Center in Belle Chasse, serving Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Orleans, and Jefferson parishes. The Center is the first comprehensive one-stop center for technical and financial assistance for fisheries in the United States. Loans to small businesses range in amounts of $50,000 to $250,000. Increasingly, traditional banks are also responding to the oil spill crisis with competitive loan packages, specifically for families and businesses directly impacted by the oil spill.

For state-wide economic development information and support, Louisiana Economic Development Office provides a comprehensive overview of business incentives, industry information, site selection and workforce development. The network of Louisiana Small Business Development Centers provides location specific assistance and advice to existing and potential small businesses in order to foster the formation and growth of small businesses which help to expand and diversify the Louisiana economy.

The network of GCCF Claims Technical Assistance providers can also be a great resource for businesses affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

A Shared Initiative, Inc. (ASII)
Located in New Orleans Ninth Ward and affiliated with ASI Federal Credit Union, ASII provides expertise in mortgage lending, financing, and tax implications.
Contact: Lang Le
Phone: (504) 940-5924
Email: lang.le@asifcu.com

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO)
Based in New Orleans, CCANO maintains five sites in the following parishes: Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines (east and west), and Jefferson. Case management and mental health services are available to individuals and families affected by the Horizon Oil Spill.
Contact: Martin Gutierrez
Phone: 504-310-6914
Fax: 504-596-3098
Email: mgutierrez@ccano.org

Coastal Communities Consulting (CCC)
CCC provides expertise of the fishing industry, specifically of and to the Vietnamese-American fishermen; coordinates services with Seedco Financial and with local government in Lafitte, LA.
Contact: Sandy Nguyen
Phone: (504) 628-2097
Email: sandy@ccc-nola.org

Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO Inc.)
Representing the Greater New Orleans region, GNO, Inc. is an economic development organization providing claims TA to processors as well as peer training to other TA providers.
Contact: Emily Danielson
Phone: (504) 527-6963
Email: edanielson@gnoinc.org

Literacy Alliance
Housed in Orleans Parish, the Literacy Alliance provides Plain Language training, document editing and document translation services to ensure all documents are readable by the general public.
Contact: Rachel Nicolosi
Phone: (504) 864-7012
Email: nicolosi@loyno.edu

Mary Queen of Viet Nam Community Development Center (MQVN CDC)
Based in New Orleans East, MQVN CDC is a community based economic development organization that serves a predominantly Vietnamese American population with Limited English Proficiency.
Contact: Tuan Nguyen
Phone: (504) 225-9170
Email: tuannguyen@mqvncdc.org

Operation HOPE (HOPE)
Based in New Orleans, HOPE provides economic empowerment services to populations needing financial recovery assistance after disasters. HOPE provides free small business coaching. HOPE also provides free claims assistance for those affected by the oil spill.
Contact: Rita Laners
Phone: (504) 309-6153

Seedco Financial Services (SFS)
With a branch office in Plaquemines Parish, SFS provides a variety of financial services to the commercial fishing industry.
Contact: Myla Reese Poree
Phone: (504) 392-2454
Email: mreese@seedco.org

South Louisiana Economic Council (SLEC)
Located in Lafourche Parish in south central Louisiana, SLEC is an economic development organization that provides business development assistance across Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes.
Contact: Mohaned Mohammed
Phone: (985) 448-4485
Email: mmohamme1124@gmail.com

Terrebonne Economic Development Authority (TEDA)
Terrebonne Economic Development Authority, TEDA, is an economic development organization that has dedicated resources to assisting local businesses in the oil spill claims process.
Contact: Daphnie Domino
Phone: 985-873-6890
Email: ddomino@tpeda.org

Vietnamese Initiatives in Economic Training (VIET)
VIET works to develop educational and economic training programs and act as a resource center for minority residents in Louisiana. VIET’s Disaster Technical Assistance (DTAP) mobilized in May 2010 to respond to the BP Oil Spill. The VIET office was the first BP Claims Center in Eastern New Orleans that was set up to respond to the community needs. As the process moved to GCCF, VIET is provide direct service to oil spill claimants by providing a case management system that walks the claimant through the claim processes and introduce them to other supportive services that can benefit the individual. Other programs include: Afterschool Academy and Summer Adventure, Free Tax Preparation Services and Business Technical Assistance Program.
Contact: Cyndi Nguyen
Phone: (504) 415-4905
Email: vietno@sprint.blackberry.net

Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge, Acadiana Region (VOA)
Based out of Lafayette, VOA Acadiana has regularly engaged in disaster relief work within rural parishes in south central and southwest Louisiana.
Contact: Beth Desonier
Phone: 337-261-4025
Fax: 337-261-4026
Email: bdesonier@voa-acadiana.org

Louisiana Small Business Development Center, New Orleans Region (LSBDC GNO) –
Louisiana Small Business Development Center, Nicholls State University (LSBDC NSU) -
Louisiana Business and Technical Center – based in Baton Rouge, LBTC assists businesses and entrepreneurs in south Louisiana via programs such as mobile classroom, rural entrepreneurship, business counseling and disaster counseling.