are taking a large portion of the potential catch in such 

 species as bass and flounder from the commercial fishermen 

 (McHugh, 1967). A 1970 estimate of 60.4 million lbs. for 



the sport catch in Louisiana is 6 percent of the commercial fish 

 catch of the same period. However, this proportion is compara- 

 tively small. In Massachusetts, it has been estimated that the 

 sport catch is 14 percent of the commercial catch (Mumphrey, 

 et al . , 1975: 108). Many researchers fear that the taking of 

 fishes concentrated around platforms will deplete fish 

 stocks in the Gulf (St. Amant, 1972). St. Amant , however, 

 (Treadway, 1976) has said that there is no evidence showing 

 that fish stocks in the Gulf are in danger or that the fish 

 population is being depleted by either commercial or sports 

 fishermen. Sport fishes are affected by the oil industry in 

 the same way as commercial fishes. See earlier section of 

 this chapter. Many sport and game fishes gather around offshore 

 platforms for feeding and protection. Their mobility allows 

 them to escape the effects of oil spills by moving into deeper 

 water; however, those fishes whose nursery grounds are in 

 contaminated estuaries face greater problems. 



The habitats of birds and onshore animals are affected 

 by the oil industry as discussed earlier in this chapter. 

 The natural areas of the wetlands are sometimes spoiled by 

 the oil industry for the enjoyment of people in their outdoor 

 activities. Therefore, the oil industry may impact hunting, 

 fishing, camping, water sports, etc. both through pollution 

 (oil spills) and disruption of the natural setting. 



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