The Oil Spill and Florida Tourism

I read an online article on the New York Times titled "Florida Worries About Effect On Tourism" by Catharine Skipp. The article shines light on the local Florida communities who feel devastated and worried for the environment and the possible decline in tourism. The Panhandle has already felt the pain, the hotel industry as well as other businesses have already taken a 70% decline in reservations. On the west coast, there was a 15% hit in only three weeks. And one of Florida's biggest attractions, the fishing (a 5.2 billion dollar industry), is most worried about the oil slick moving closer to Florida shores. Dr. Ortner, interviewed for the story, feels the surface spill should not reach the sensitive Florida keys and Miami beaches. But, Ortner does worry about the fish population. He says fish larvae are vulnerable, especially to toxic oil slicks. Fish larvae damage will lead to lower fish populations and a damaged fishing industry. Dr.Ortner also concludes with a statement that mentions hurricanes, agreeing that a catastrophic hurricane season will devastate the gulf coast.
The BP oil spill will hurt the gulf coast for decades. Marshes, important nurseries for fish and birds, have already been destroyed and covered in oil slick. In my opinion, this can take decades before we can notice positive changes in the gulf coast environments. Regarding the hurricane season, some say a hurricane is more devastating and destructive than an oil spill. This is an incorrect statement. A hurricane is a natural event and environments can heal themselves readily after a storm, whereas oil spills are man-made and can damage ecosystems for years or decades. Hopefully, this oil spill might influence a movement towards green technology and move the public mindset away from "drill baby drill."