Gulf Coast Residents Face Uncertainty
Jim Burkhart, a representative of the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge, said that the Gulf Coast oil recovery process is going to be long and drawn out, but that residents are strong, capable, and
up to the challenge. "The people here are extremely resilient. It's been encouraging. They know we're facing a daunting task, but they're willing to do anything," said Burkhart.
Mobile residents Sandee Kelly and Debbie Clark were willing to continue vacationing on the beach, even as tarballs washed onto the shore. "The businesses need us and our money. We're staying here until someone tells us we're not allowed to or that it isn't safe," said Kelly. “If we stop coming here, who knows what will happen to the economy.” Realty agencies, souvenir s
hops and other ecotourism businesses are pleading with tourists to continue visiting the white sand beaches.
Other businesses are adapting to salvage profits. The Gulf Shores Marina at Fort Morgan would typically be entering its peak season this month. It was expected to be a record year for fishing, but now, all state and federal waters are closed to fishing. The Marina
now caters to contracted BP workers by providing fuel for the boats and slips to dock in at night. They have also altered operations in the dock store by stocking energy drinks, work gloves, and many other essential items for the BP workers. Manager and UA alum Jason Pepperman says he will do all he can to keep the Marina in operation. “I look at it like every other challenge I face: we’ve gotta figure out a way to survive through it. I have to recognize what opportunities are out there and make decisions to move forward. I’d love to tell you what exactly is going to happen, but I just don’t know,” said Pepperman.
Through the uncertainty of what is to come, many seasonal visitors and citizens are left wondering what will become of their lifestyles. Birmingham native Sonja Daniel donned a gas mask while sunbathing to poke fun at the situation, but became emotional when asked how she felt about the uncertainty surrounding how long it will take to clean the tarred coastline: "I've been coming here since I was 3 years old. I'm 46 now. This may take 20 years to clean up. What if I don't have 20 years? They're taking away my youth. This may never be the same in my lifetime, so I'll be here everyday until I can't anymore."
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