Denial on Grand Isle

While we have had the opportunity to speak with a variety of different stakeholders regarding the BP spill, today’s trip to Grand Isle was really our first chance to see some of the areas that were hardest hit by the disaster. Grand Isle is a small town built on one of the outermost barrier islands in southeast Louisiana, boasting beautiful beaches and a traditionally strong fishing industry. Due to its exposed location and its proximity to the Deepwater Horizon site (only 80 miles away), Grand Isle was one of the first places where oil came ashore. The effects of the spill on Grand Isle are in many ways a microcosm of the broader impacts of the disaster upon the entire gulf region, and by visiting this area we hoped to get a better feel for the effects of the spill “on the ground.”

The drive out to Grand Isle is scenic to say the least; Highway 1 snakes its way through bayous, from one barrier island to the next. As we grew closer, the influence of the fishing industry became more and more apparent. Fishing boats were moored along the waterways that lined the highway, and hand-painted signs advertised fresh seafood for sale. Here we saw the first indications of the turmoil that the oil spill has caused. Murals, signs, and paintings blasted the federal government and BP, and vividly portrayed the plight of local fishermen. As we approached Grand Isle, the protest signs became more frequent (and more colorful and creative). In the community itself, billboards satirically advertised property in areas where the spill drastically depreciated value.

Apart from the signs, the impacts of the spill were most evident on the beaches. Grand Isle’s beaches were among the most popular in the state, featuring long stretches of gorgeous white sand. Because of Grand Isle’s media coverage, BP has expended considerable time and money in cleaning beaches, but evidence of the disaster is still clearly apparent. Many of the once-immaculate beaches on the east end of the island remain closed, fenced off and guarded by officials. From the few vantage points we found, mountainous piles of oil-stained sand stood in stark contrast against the white grains, and a light sheen is still visible where the water meets the sand. A few fishermen still cast from the piers, but the beaches are mostly empty.

The current condition of Grand Isle emphasizes the real-world impacts that the oil spill is having on wildlife and community members. The area is obviously very unique – both ecologically and economically – and the negative effects of the oil are difficult to stomach. Seeing the dirty sand, protest signs, and docked fishing boats adds another dimension to the story that we receive through various news outlets. This overwhelming feeling cannot be conveyed through traditional media sources and our visit to Grand Isle further connected us with the affected community.