After talking with legislators and reviewing the data of the commercial shrimp and crab harvesting industries, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) and Special Pay Master Ken Feinberg have updated the payment methods for these two sets of harvesters, whose many members are still struggling with the aftermath of 2010’s oil spill.

Citing the ongoing uncertainty in the shrimp and crab markets, the GCCF released documents on November 30, detailing the new formulas for reimbursing these commercial fishermen.

“As a result of this uncertainty, the GCCF has adjusted its methodology for compensation to commercial shrimp and crab harvesters and processors to include additional compensation,” said the Claims Facility release.
The previous formula only called for double the actual 2010 losses. In the new calculations, that number was adjusted to up to four times the total losses for that year.

“Each commercial shrimp and crab harvester claimant… who provides the required documentation to harvest in the loss year that they are claiming losses…will be eligible for a Final Payment Offer Amount of the larger of:
1) Four times each claimant’s 2010 Actual Documented Losses (except for claimants with 2010 losses in excess of $500,000); or
2) The total actual documented losses through the date of the determination of the Final Claim,” according to The GCCF’s statement.”
The new formula applies to all new claims filed after November 30, or to existing ones filing for any additional or new final claims‚ including individuals who may have been already given Emergency Advanced Payments. All as long as the shrimper or crab harvester has the necessary documentation for 2010 (the complete requirements are available through the GCCF website: www.gulfcoastclaimsfacility.com).

3rd District Congressman Jeff Landry praised the efforts being made, which came after Feinberg’s communication with Congressional committee on Natural Resource’s members.

“I am pleased to see that you are taking the input you received from people of South Louisiana and applying it to your compensation formulas,” Landry said in a letter to Feinberg. “Particularly, you heard the complaints and the concerns of the oystermen and you made some appropriate adjustments to your compensation forumla.”

“Although today’s announcement is a great positive step forward,” Landry said in a public statement, “it is not a complete solution to making all impacted by the spill whole.”

The congressman promised to continue to work with Feinberg and BP to fully compensate those effected and still suffering from the spill.