What comes next? : employment opportunities for Vietnamese American fisherfolk affected by the BP gulf oil spill in Louisiana

Abstract

This thesis explores potential employment opportunities in energy efficiency construction and aquaculture for Vietnamese American fisherfolk significantly impacted by the BP oil spill in Louisiana. First, the thesis explains the history of the Vietnamese American community in Louisiana and the affects of Hurricane Katrina as well as the BP oil spill on the community. This is done in order to build the case for the need to look for alternative employment for dislocated Vietnamese American fisherfolk. Second, it assesses the skills and job suitability for Vietnamese American dislocated fisherfolk. It then explores the potential growth of the energy efficiency construction and aquaculture industries in Louisiana. Finally, the thesis concludes with recommendations for how Vietnamese American fisherfolk can enter these industries and how Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corporation can further explore future employment opportunities for dislocated Vietnamese American fisherfolk.