>> reporter: along the gulf coast residents acknowledged that fishing often is a cash business. buyers come to the dock and pay cash for seafood fresh off the boat. >> it has been like that for generations. you go down there and give them $200 and get 100 pounds of shrimp p and you leave. >> reporter: some political leaders argue for an amnesty program to help those in need. >> does it mean these fishermen who may have operate order a cash base list have to change the way they do business? okay, that might be what it means. but let's not penalize them in the face of a disaster. >> reporter: bp easing its requirements has helped some fishermen collect compensation. >> if you can mildly document what you are trying to say -- they will take care of you. they have done right by me. >> reporter: those who have poor records like kevin feel bp's compensation system has left them out in the cold. >> you are back in new york now. just got back from the gulf. what do you think? does the irs have sympathy for