It has been a bittersweet visit to St. George island, FL this year, as oil from the BP oil disaster is on its way to this pristine and unique area. The Apalachicola bay is home to some of the world's best oysters, and is home to a fleet of shrimp boats that help keep local (US) shrimp available in restaurants around the nation. It is a way of life passed on for generations for many of the locals here, and they don't know what they are going to do if that way of life is ruined by closures of their shrimping and oystering. I've had a chance to talk with some of the nicest people who have some of the hardest jobs you'd ever imagine working, and all they want is to keep their livelihood and their pristine waters. "This area is a national treasure, and everyone should be worried about its future."
Below, booms sit ready to be put across the Apalachicola river, a shrimper, and oysterman, Richard Miller, who has been working the waters since he was 14 waits to go out on what could be their last run. A way of life, and an amazingly beautiful part of the "Forgotten Coast" are in jeopardy. Yet, according to Richard, BP hasn't asked the boats he knows to do anything to help.
I will post more as we wait for oil to arrive on St. George, and as we travel west. Pray that work is done to protect the bay and the islands quickly. More pictures at DougWager.com under BP Oil Disaster.
Below, booms sit ready to be put across the Apalachicola river, a shrimper, and oysterman, Richard Miller, who has been working the waters since he was 14 waits to go out on what could be their last run. A way of life, and an amazingly beautiful part of the "Forgotten Coast" are in jeopardy. Yet, according to Richard, BP hasn't asked the boats he knows to do anything to help.
I will post more as we wait for oil to arrive on St. George, and as we travel west. Pray that work is done to protect the bay and the islands quickly. More pictures at DougWager.com under BP Oil Disaster.
