Marine Fisheries Industry Impacted By COVID-19

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking applicants for a new grant program that will provide financial assistance to marine fisheries participants negatively affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Pennsylvania CARES Fisheries Relief Grant Program is made possible by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136). Section 12005 of the CARES Act directed the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide financial assistance to commercial and charter fishery participants negatively affected by COVID-19.

On behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council (ASMFC) is providing $3.3 million for direct assistance to Pennsylvania residents who are involved in the following qualifying fisheries sectors: seafood processors, wholesale dealers/distributers, and aquaculture operations; bait and tackle operations; recreational for-hire fishing businesses; and commercial fishing.

The PFBC is responsible for making these funds available to qualifying applicants in Pennsylvania. Grant application materials with additional information about this grant program can be found on the PFBC website. Completed application packages must be received at PFBC Headquarters, CARES Act Aid to Fisheries Participants, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, between 8:00 a.m., January 28, 2021, and 4:00 p.m., February 26, 2021. Applications received before or after those times will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

For more information about applying for this grant, contact Sean Gimbel at (717) 705-7842 or sgimbel@pa.gov.