Oil Spill Having Some Impact on Local Seafood Prices

The BP oil spill hasn't been as disastrous for local seafood restaurants as it has been for the Gulf region, but it is having some effect.

"I've seen shrimp prices go up a bit," said Russell Barrie, the chef and owner of The Corner Galley restaurant on Merrick Road.

Barrie says he's seen the cost of shrimp rise about 75 cents a pound in the weeks since the worst oil spill disaster in US history.

But even though his restaurant serves several different shrimp dishes, and a variety of other seafood specialties, Barrie says he hasn't raised prices.

"Most of our shrimp doesn't come from the Gulf," he said. "Right now we get our shrimp from places like Thailand and Vietnam."

While the restaurant hasn't been hit hard yet, Barrie believes higher prices will become an issue if the crisis continues.

"Demand is up because [merchants] can't get shrimp from the Gulf," he said.

The spill has had a stronger impact on Long Island Fish and Chips on  North Broadway.

"All our prices just went up two weeks ago," said Cody Janicek, an employee of the restaurant.

Janicek said  he believes the oil spill played a role in the decision to hike prices. He says items went up a dollar or two.

He also believes that it's become more difficult to find quality seafood.

"Not everything is to our needs," he said.  Janicek also said that Long Island Fish and Chips doesn't use seafood from the Gulf.

Although he hasn't heard diners express concern about the situation, he said, "Business has dropped a little bit."

"People might not feel safe about seafood," he said.