Travel to Louisiana's Coastal Areas and Barrier Islands While the Oil Spill Rages in the Gulf

The devastation and ecological effects felt by the Louisiana marshes, wildlife, people and industries are enormous. I lived in Louisiana for many years and enjoyed the people and the state tremendously, these people are hard working, good people with their feet firmly planted in their heritage and culture. Louisiana people take great pride in their way of life and know the importance of taking care of their environment and their livelihood including the seafood industry. When I lived in Louisiana many times I would listen to fisherman that were bringing in catches say that you have to take only what you need. Many of the fisherman not only survive by what they catch but their whole way of life revolves around on what the Gulf provides their families.

Many places are severely affected by the oil spill, yet striving to push on. Traveling to Louisiana at this time not only shows your support for the state and its people. Don't let the oil spill disaster keep you from enjoying all that Louisiana has to offer.

Louisiana has too many areas that have suffered a devastating blow because of the BP oil disaster, however some of the coastal and barrier islands affected include:

Raccoon Island is a well known bird sanctuary island for many species including the brown pelican. It sits at almost the westernmost portion of Louisiana and has unfortunately succumb to the Gulf oil spill as many other coastal areas.

Trinity Island is another barrier island that lies on the western portion of Louisiana, a sanctuary to many species it too has been severely affected by the Gulf oil spill.

Whiskey Island is well known for its beautiful natural Louisiana flora and many bird species. Whiskey Island Preserve is an exquisite community sit withing the barrier island featuring many lavish amenities however now it too has become a victim of the Gulf oil disaster.

Wine Island is another barrier island that is nestled in Terrabone Bay and a part of the wildlife refuge all the barrier islands have been effected by the oil spill as well as its inhabitants.

Timbalier and East Timbalier Island are also a part of the wildlife refuge and barrier islands surrounding Louisiana. All the coastal towns and barrier islands have been affected by the BP oil disaster and have pledged to try and save the habitats and its species from the devastating effects that the oil spill has caused.

Port Fourchon is one of Louisiana's premier sea ports and holds a significant presence with the offshore oil industry including platforms, pipeline and oil drilling rigs. Tousled by this BP oil spill this community has been devastated by one of its sources of income for the area the petroleum and oil industry. As well as being effected just as any other community this has been a very busy sea port and a hub for many of the oil clean-up processing equipment and companies.

Elmers Island once known as Goat Island is one of Louisiana best fishing areas, known for its trout and wildlife this island not unlike the other barrier islands has been impacted by the oil spill in the Gulf

Grand Isle has always been a well known vacation area for many people in Louisiana. Grand Isle is famous for its seafood industry as well as having the nickname "Sportsman Paradise". Now just as every other coastal area and island, the beachcombers are struggling desperately to keep up with the oil cleanup and the tar balls that dot the landscape.

Barataria Bay South and North are both west of the Mississippi delta and are struggling to survive the devastating effects of the BP oil disaster in the Gulf. The whole coastal and barrier islands are being tormented by the oil spill, tourism has been turned away and the seafood industry is in a choke hold by this disaster. Areas such as Barataria and Grand Isle have little to do but try as other areas to stay active in the clean up and try as they can to maintain hope that they can reduce the impact that the oil is having on every aspect of their lives.

Terrabone Bay West North and East is known for its marshes and wildlife, as well as its redfish fishing. Unfortunately having to manage with the oil spill has had a traumatic impact on the area and its fishing industry as well as its tourism.

Bay Joe Wise is not unlike every other area of Louisiana and has been severely affected by the traumatic impact that the oil spill in the Gulf has had on all of Louisiana, including its people who depend on fishing as a way of life.

Pelican Island is best known just as many other areas of Louisiana as a wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary. Hard pressed to stay a sportsman paradise many of these areas are feeling the effects hard by the lack of tourists to the area.

Port Eads is a docking and refueling area for fisherman who begin just north in Venice Louisiana. Another hub for the offshore oil spill clean-up including equipment and supplies Port Eads as well as Venice has been swarmed by scientists and clean-up people trying to save Louisiana from one of the most devastating oil spills the US has ever known.

Pass a Loutre not unlike the other areas has been severely impacted and is feeling the effects of the BP spill on a daily basis.

Brush Island marshes and wildlife is struggling with the effects of the BP oil disaster and the pelicans of Louisiana's coastline and barrier islands are being plagued by oil soaked feathers

Chandeleur Island North and South are both notorious as the easternmost portion of Louisiana's coastline and island sanctuaries. The fishing industry and tourism to the area has been hurt severely by the devastation of the oil disaster.

Not unlike many Americans, I'm deeply troubled by the Gulf oil disaster and know that Louisiana is a state worthy now more than ever of every tourist that can find it in their hearts to travel to Louisiana to show their support for this crisis.

The state of Louisiana is full of life, culture, exciting sights and attractions. Traveling to Louisiana has never been more important than at this time, try to think about all the good that a vacation in Louisiana would do for not only your family but for the Louisiana people. Showing support for their businesses and helping with money at this time in their peak tourism season, maybe just what the state and the people need to stay above water and stay motivated.

Louisiana people say it best, "Laissez les bons temps rouler," which means "Let the Good Times Roll."

References for this article include: www.roadsideamerica.com/location/la
www.louisianabeautiful.com
blog.cheapoair.com/news/will-the-gulf-oil-spill-hurt-tourism-in-the-south.aspx
www.crt.state.la.us
www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/06/ad_campaign_reassures_tourists.html