News from the Gulf of Mexico is increasingly worrisome.  Reports are that the impacts from the oil spill could be massive, and while it's too early to tell, the damage to natural resources could eclipse the worst domestic environmental disaster, the spill from the Exxon-Valdez.

The estuaries in Lousiana and Mississippi are some of the most important recreational and commercial fishiers in the Gulf.  Field and Stream highlights some of possible damages that should be of particular concern to sportsmen, and not just those in Louisiana:

"1.) Produces the largest total seafood landings in the lower 48 states.

2.) Is a vital wintering or resting spot for more than 70 percent of the nation's migratory waterfowl, a place where hunters usually lead the nation in duck harvest.

3.) Produces more catches of redfish and spotted sea-trout (speckled trout),  tuna, wahoo, amberjack, snapper and other top sports species than any other states. The daily limit on specks is 25, and reds is 5.  In a typical year Louisiana sportsmen catch a 9 million specks and 2.4 million reds.

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5.) Researchers say 90 percent of all the marine species in the Gulf of Mexico depend on coastal estuaries at some point in their lives, and most of those estuaries are in Louisiana.

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7.) Some 410 species of fish and wildlife - from whales and manatees, tuna and tarpon to ducks, geese and flounder - are imperiled by this spill, according to the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries."

Already, federal authorities have closed an area responsible for 70% of Louisiana's seafood production for at least 10 days to both commercial and recreational fishing.  Much can be said about massive economic impact this could have on the commercial fishing industry, which is beyond my realm of expertise.  However, the economic importance of recreational redfishing cannot be understated, and fresh off this years spawn, there is worry that young reds may be at the most risk.

Using data from a pre-Katrina Fish and Wildlife Service report (going back that far highlights the value of a healthy fishery), we see Louisana had 504,000 saltwater fishermen that took more than 4,000,000 fishing trips.  Of these, more than 350,000 said their main target was Redfish.  Indeed, I understand the draw, as the above photo is me fighting my first Redfish on the fly!  In total, anglers directly spent $278 million on their trips, guides, food, licenses, and equipment. 

The peril to these fish not only affects all the fisherman whose trips are potentially ruined for the foreseeable future, but more importantly the guides, lodges, fishing shops, marinas, and many other businesses that depend on their traffic.

The point is beyond what has happened in the Gulf.  The impacts from our use of fossil fuels are felt in the habitats of game and fish across the country.  Whether it's tar sands killing ducks in tailing ponds or destroying Canada's Boreal Forest, mountain top removal destroying trout streams, or oil spills ruining America's land of giant redfish, sportsmen should be at the forefront of demanding America is a frontrunner in the clean energy race. 

China and Brazil have the head start, while Saudi Arabia and Iran laugh all the way to the bank.  How long can we continue to ignore the impacts our dependence on fossil fuels has on the lands we hunt and fish?