Looking back: The impact of the BP oil spill on Louisiana’s commercial menhaden fishing industry

The BP oil spill—triggered by the Deepwater Horizon explosion 15 years ago last month—remains the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. The Deepwater Horizon explosion killed 11 people and released nearly 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf, devastating ecosystems and contaminating key fishing grounds.

Among the species affected were menhaden—small, oily fish essential to the Gulf’s ecosystem and Louisiana’s economy. As filter feeders and prey for larger predators, they play a critical ecological role. Louisiana’s menhaden fishery, one of the largest in the nation, was hit especially hard. Just two companies harvest menhaden from Louisiana’s waters: Westbank Fishing in Empire and Ocean Harvesters in Abbeville. Together, they employ more than 2,000 workers and contribute over $25 million annually to the state and local economy. But when oil from the spill spread across the northern Gulf, it forced widespread closures of federal and state waters—including over half of Louisiana’s inshore fishing grounds. The industry was suddenly paralyzed, facing a collapse in access, markets, and operating stability.

For Westbank Fishing, the disaster struck just five years after Hurricane Katrina had devastated its home base in Plaquemines Parish. The company had only recently rebuilt its fleet, processing facility and workforce. “We’d already learned how to survive after Katrina,” said Shane Treadaway, Vice President of Operations. “So, when the oil spill happened, we knew how to dig in, stay focused, and do whatever it took to come back strong.” That hard-earned resilience became critical as the company confronted yet another crisis.

The closure of nearshore waters turned daily operations upside down. With more than 55% of Louisiana’s state waters off-limits, Westbank’s vessels were forced to travel up to 200 miles west—just to find open seas. “We went from steaming 45 minutes to our grounds to running 17 hours west just to fish,” said Treadaway. “The oil spill didn’t just close the water—it upended everything overnight.”

The longer trips took a toll. “We had to burn more fuel, work longer hours, and face rougher seas,” Treadaway said. Crews had less time for rest and maintenance, and the boats were pushed to their limits. “More miles meant more wear and more breakdowns. We had to set up mobile support just to keep the fleet running that far from home.”

Beyond logistics, the industry faced a second blow: hesitation from buyers. Though menhaden isn’t eaten directly, seafood safety concerns slowed international demand. The spill’s environmental effects were also severe. Menhaden depend on clean, oxygen-rich water to survive, and the oil and dispersants harmed plankton, larvae, and juvenile fish.

“There was real fear among the crews,” said Treadaway. “I wanted to build a career and retire in this industry. What if they padlocked the gate and said, ‘Sorry, it’s over’? A lot of people had put blood, sweat, and tears into this company. That uncertainty was the hardest part.”

For communities across southern Plaquemines Parish, the impact ran deep. Westbank Fishing was one of the largest employers in the region, supporting countless rural families. “It wasn’t just about fish. It was about families, about paying bills, about whether a way of life was going to disappear,” Treadaway said. “You walked into any store in Empire, and that’s all people were talking about. Was our way of life going to disappear?”

Despite these challenges, Westbank Fishing took steps to support its workforce. “No one was let go. Everyone got their 40 hours,” said Treadaway. “We made a commitment to our people—we weren’t going to leave anyone behind.” This dedication to their employees helped the company weather the storm and emerge from the crisis.

In the years since, Louisiana’s menhaden industry has shown remarkable resilience. The BP oil spill was a turning point, exposing the fragile link between ecological health and economic survival. Fifteen years later, the industry continues to harvest menhaden, sustain jobs, and support the state and local economy. It has also earned Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, recognizing its careful management and commitment to ecological balance.

Yet these gains exist against a backdrop of growing vulnerability: coastal erosion, climate change, and regulatory shifts continue to threaten the fishery’s stability. And the memory of the BP oil spill still looms large, a reminder that environmental disasters can reshape lives and livelihoods in an instant.

“We just kept our heads down and went to work, day by day,” said Treadaway. “Fifteen years later, I can say: we fared pretty well. But we’ll never forget what it took to get here.” The scars remain—but so does the strength of the communities that endured them, determined to protect their future on the water.