OIL SPILL IN GULF HAVING AN EFFECT ON NJ FISHING INDUSTRY
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Trenton - (WBGO News 7/15/2010)

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is having an effect on one aspect of New Jersey’s seafood industry.

Demand from commercial fisheries in the Gulf for bait fish from New Jersey has dried up according to Garden State Seafood Association executive director Greg DiDomenico.

While he’s not seeing any other impact yet, DiDomenico says concerns about the safety of seafood from the Gulf may benefit New Jersey fishermen.

 “One of the items that we compete with from fisheries in the Gulf are oysters and it’s very possible that people will be concerned about the safety of those oysters and look towards products that we have here.”

Clean water off the Jersey coast is also attracting more recreational fishermen.

The vice president of the Morey Organization which owns piers in Wildwood says the local party fishing boat business is having a very good year.

The restaurant industry is concerned about how the spill may effect business.

Jim Filip owns Doris and Ed’s restaurant in Highlands. So far he says he’s not seeing any falloff in customer demand for seafood.

“What I see is more particular questions being asked by my customers and having to look at my menu a little bit differently so that I don’t have the Gulf product. I have to source other places. I have to go other places and I have to depend on my suppliers to say this product is really good. You can use it.”

Filip says a drop in supply because of the oil spill will push up the price consumers will pay for seafood.

© 7/15/2010 WBGO News