Fisheries affected by Covid-19 to receive relief funding

SACRAMENTO–An forecasted $18 million in federal easing funding will be made available for aquaculture transactions, contract boat proprietors, fish customers and licensed commercial-grade fishermen who lost income due to the effects of the Covid-1 9 pandemic. The fund will be made available to eligible recipients through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife( CDFW ).

The state is receiving its $18 million of succor monies through the$ 2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security( CARES) Act stimulus package.

“CDFW estimates that there are more than 11,500 potentially eligible applicants for this funding, including individuals who work in the offshore, shoreside, aquaculture, commercial-grade fare fishing barrel and guide areas, ” CDFW staff said in a secreted statement.

An applicant for succor funding must demonstrate at least a 35 percent loss of fishing-related income, between Jan. 1 and June 30, due to Covid-1 9. The applicant must also demonstrate, through documentation, they are actively involved in one of the qualifying sectors.

Applicants must also provide the most up-to-date address information by Aug. 17.

“The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission( PSMFC) is serving as fiscal agent for these funds. PSMFC will forward claim forms to all potentially eligible applicants to the address on file with CDFW, ” according to CDFW staff. “Forms and documentation must be returned within 30 periods to be eligible for disbursement. Following the closing of the 30 -day response period, final disbursement totals will be calculated and easing checks will be issued to qualified applicants.”

CDFW staff can be reached via email at CARESfisheriesinfo @wildlife. ca.gov.

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