Overall Perceptions of Seafood Consumption Risk After Gulf Oil Spill

Background: The Deepwater Horizon oil explosion on April 20, 2010 had a significant impact on individuals living near the Gulf of Mexico. In southeastern Louisiana, some were affected by loss of income and jobs, and changes in health status and seafood consumption.

Purpose: This study, given one year after the spill, examined perceptions related to seafood consumption and associated behaviors of students, faculty and staff at a southeastern Louisiana university.

Methods: After internal review board approval, 1200 students, faculty and staff were randomly selected. Chosen participants received an explanatory email with a SurveyMonkey link to demographic, behavior and perception items. Second and third requests were sent to non-responders at three-week intervals resulting in a response rate of 20% (n=239).

Results: Nearly all respondents (97%) had ever consumed Gulf seafood. Concern about the safety of seafood consumption varied from before the spill (17%), during the six months after the spill (ranging from 80-82%) and one year later (57%). Nearly two thirds (61%) indicated no change in seafood consumption since the spill, with 35% stating a decrease and only 4% reporting an increase. Before the spill, only 43% of the respondents asked about the source of seafood, while 64% did after the spill.

Conclusions: Respondents indicated varying levels of concern about seafood consumption and changes in consumption patterns, during and after the spill. Most (80-88%) expressed concern regarding oil and dispersants both on and in the water, and on the Gulf bottom. TV and newspapers were primary sources of information after the spill, and may continue to assist and/or influence individuals with seafood consumption choices.