Coastal and marine fishery workers and businesses — including licensed commercial fishermen, fish buyers, aquaculture businesses, charter boat owners and guides — who have experienced a loss of income due to the effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for federal relief funding disbursed through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The department estimates more than 11,500 people may be eligible, including individuals who work in the offshore, shoreside, aquaculture, commercial passenger fishing vessel and guide sectors.
The funding is part of the $2 trillion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. About $18 million in CARES funding was earmarked specifically for fisheries assistance in California.
Eligibility for workers will be based on, among other things, a minimum 35 percent loss of fishing related income due to COVID-19 between Jan. 1 and June 30.
Applicants must submit documentation demonstrating active involvement in a qualifying sector. The approved disbursement plan can be found here.
The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, which is serving as fiscal agent, will mail claim forms to all potentially eligible applicants to the address on file with CDFW. Forms and documentation must be returned within 30 days to be eligible.
Following the close of the 30-day response period, final disbursement totals will be calculated and relief checks will be issued to qualified applicants. CDFW is requesting all workers who are potentially eligible applicants update their address on file by Monday, Aug. 17. Address verification instructions are available here.
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For information, refer to CDFW’s webpage for the CARES Act. Email inquiries to CARESfisheriesInfo@wildlife.ca.gov.
