Seafood markets nationwide feel impact of oil gusher

The commercial fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico has been hit hard by the huge oil spill. Fishing has been closed off in a third of the Gulf and fish production has been reduced significantly, as many in the industry have been diverted from their daily work to assist with the clean-up effort in the region. Now seafood markets across the country are beginning to feel the strain and seafood prices are on the rise.

We speak with Ewell Smith, executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, about efforts by his state to convince consumers that Louisiana seafood is safe to eat. WNYC’s Lisa Chow reports on how seafood buyers and sellers in New York City and beyond have been impacted by the crisis in the Gulf.