BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. -- Commercial fishermen in the Alabama coastal community of Bayou La Batre have staged a brief blockade to protest that BP is not using enough local fishermen and boats to fight the massive oil spill.
Several boats blocked the entrance to Mississippi Sound at the bayou this morning before being ordered to disperse.
The mayor says one fisherman was briefly detained, but not arrested, after the standoff. He says BP is using speed boats, sail boats and vessels from out of state rather than more sturdy local fishing boats. The mayor says the local fishermen know the Gulf waters and should be hired.
There were also complaints that fishermen hired by BP are having trouble getting paid.
BP officials did not return a call seeking comment.
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