Those living in the Gulf States are not the only ones feeling the impact of the Gulf Oil Spill caused by British Petroleum. Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. businesses including wholesalers, seafood purchasers, retailers, restaurants and grocery stores are impacted by what BP has done. There is a great article in today’s Washington Post written by Ian Shapira that illustrates why the spill that occurred hundreds of miles from here is having an impact on those in the seafood industry.

The title of the article is “Seafood With a Side of Dread” and it traces a purchase by Whole Foods of seafood in Florida and shows how the oil spill impacts pricing and the seafood market. Many grocery stores in Maryland stock up with South Atlantic seafood such as tuna and swordfish. As a result of the oil spill, and as a result of the fear of oil getting into the Gulf Stream and coming up the east coast, prices are already on the rise. The Washington Post reported today that the price of Shrimp is already up $2-$4 per pound. The price of crabs and oyster are also on the rise according to industry insiders we have spoken to.

A big fear is that if Florida and other east coast fisheries are shut down (if oil gets into the Gulf Stream), then buyers will have to buy imported fish or will have to buy more expensive fish (Tuna and Swordfish) from fisheries further up the east coast. If this happens even more people in the Maryland/East Coast Seafood industry will be impacted. Companies that rely on large grocery store chains making purchases will be hurt if they buy from other countries outside of the United States rather than from East Coast and Florida fisheries. The seafood market is quite complicated and complex.

If you are a seafood wholesaler or a salesman in Maryland, Washington, D.C. or Virginia and if you have economic loss as a result of the BP Oil spill we believe that you have a valid claim for negligence and under the Oil Pollution Act. Our Maryland law firm will represent you and assist you in presenting your claim to the $20 Million Dollar BP Claims Fund which is run by Kenneth Feinberg. Having represented victims of the September 11, 2001 bombing in their claim against the 9/11 fund administered by Mr. Feinberg, we have the experience to properly put your BP Claim together and make certain that you are properly compensated for your losses. We handle such cases on a contingent fee basis meaning that there is no attorney fee if there is no recovery.

In addition to the seafood wholesalers we also believe that restaurants in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia that suffer a decrease in sales revenue and/or profits as a result of the BP Oil Spill are entitled to compensation. If you want more information, you can call us today at (888) 213-8140.