Gulf Of Mexico Fish Stocks – Are They Rebounding?

Recently, a study done by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab suggested that marine life in the Gulf of Mexico is rebounding much better than what was anticipated, following the BP oil spill earlier this year in the Gulf.

According to a report in the National Review, the lab undertook a study and suggested that “various forms of sea life, from shrimp to sharks, have seen their populations triple since before the spill. Some species, including shrimp and croaker, did even better.”

The study participants are not suggesting that oil spills are good; rather the damage that was originally predicted may not be as bad as anticipated. The officials at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab suggest that the sea life increases are due to the fact fishing has been halted in the area which has allowed for the greater recovery.

However,  Dr. Ian Martin who holds a Ph.D in Stream Insect Ecology has reported to me on my Facebook profile that the study is “non-scientific.” I am not sure why, but I do respect Dr. Martin and have thoroughly enjoyed and recommend his book, “Fly Fishing the Grand River.”

It is nice however, that there may be some optimism in regard to the marine life that might have been effected by the terrible BP Oil spill.  We can hope that this study by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab proves to be correct going forward.