[8] Feds Release Disaster Aid For Coastal Salmon Fishermen

The federal government announced Sept. 17 that it would begin distributing $100 million in financial aid to West Coast fishermen and coastal businesses hurt by this year's closure of most ocean waters to salmon fishing.

NOAA Fisheries said the money will be distributed through the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and was triggered by disaster declarations from the governors of California, Oregon and Washington. Congress passed a $170-million disaster relief package in July.

"The salmon fishery has been a mainstay of the West Coast's fishing revenues for many years," said Commerce secretary Carlos Gutierrez. "This year's closure left thousands of fishermen and dependent businesses struggling to make ends meet. This disaster aid package of $100 million will help them get back on their feet."

The remaining $70 million is expected to become available later in the year.

Fishermen with permits should expect to see applications in the mail soon, but affected businesses can download application forms at the commission's website. -B. R.

The following links were mentioned in this story:

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

Subscriptions and Feedback
Subscribe to the Fishletter notification e-mail list.
Send e-mail comments to the editor.

THE ARCHIVE :: Previous NW Fishletter issues and supporting documents.

NW Fishletter is produced by Energy NewsData.
Publisher: Cyrus Noë, Editor: Bill Rudolph
Phone: (206) 285-4848 Fax: (206) 281-8035