Commerce Department allocates $15.8M for fishery disaster relief

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the allocation of $15.8 million in fishery resource disaster funding. This funding, appropriated by Congress through the American Relief Act of 2025, is intended to address various fishery disasters occurring between 2019 and 2024.

The allocation targets specific regions and groups, including Florida following Hurricane Ian in 2022, the Makah Tribe in Washington state regarding ocean treaty and Fraser sockeye salmon fisheries, and the California red sea urchin fishery for 2023/2024.

According to NOAA, the funds will support commercial and recreational fishermen, for-hire businesses, shore-side infrastructure, and subsistence users. Eligible activities include direct assistance, habitat restoration, fishery-related infrastructure projects, and job retraining to improve long-term economic and environmental sustainability.