Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that additional federal funding of $ 5.7 million is available under the New York Marine Fisheries Assistance Program, established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, to provide financial assistance to the New York sea fishing industry. Eligible seafood, commercial marine fishing, marine aquaculture, and offshore recreational fishing businesses are eligible to apply for funding as of December 1. This funding is in addition to the $ 6.7 million in assistance provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), for a total of $ 12.4 million in assistance to the seafood industries. , Merchant Navy and Fishing for Hire in New York after excessive business losses in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt New York’s commercial fishing industry, which depends on vibrant tourism, food and recreation opportunities,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding is essential to help businesses and coastal communities that have long played a vital role in the state’s economic success. My administration remains committed to supporting the marine fishing and seafood industries here in New York City. and will work tirelessly to ensure financial support for all eligible applicants. ”

New York’s marine resources are essential to the state’s economy, supporting nearly 350,000 jobs and generating billions of dollars through tourism, fishing and other industries. The $ 12.4 million total marine fisheries relief program allocation was determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries on the basis of the total average annual revenues of fishing-related businesses in New York, which does not reflect the industry’s total economic losses from COVID. -19. The DEC worked in cooperation with NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to secure approval of the two New York Fisheries Relief Program expenditure plans that establish the framework for the allocation of the funding.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “For hundreds of years, New York State’s fishing industries have shaped our economy and culture. These industries have experienced significant challenges and changes over the past decades, adapting technological advancements and the threat of climate change, while providing valuable goods and services The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our economy in unexpected ways and will be felt for years to come, and the Funding announced today will help ensure that the state’s fishing industries have the opportunity to continue building their legacy into the future. “

Senator Chuck Schumer said, “This is a HUGE catch for New York anglers. I am proud to have hooked this historic federal aid of $ 12.4 million for businesses from the Great Lakes to the Long Island Strait. New York’s marine fishing industry is still reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and this dedicated assistance will help one of our oldest heritage industries to leave troubled waters and engage. on the road to recovery and a better future. ”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “This funding will bring much needed relief to New York’s marine fisheries. I am proud to have worked to pass the CARES Act and will continue to fight to provide federal funds to New York businesses as we continue to recover from the pandemic. “

Representative Adriano Espaillat said, “As we continue to rebuild after this devastating pandemic, restoring our marine fishing industry, local tourism and recreational fishing are essential to our economic recovery. I commend Governor Hochul for the efforts made today to allocate this additional round of funding the necessary federal resources are available to help restore our local offshore ecosystems while combating climate change through initiatives such as the Reefs Program. artificial New York and the construction of drinking water infrastructure. “

All potential applicants are encouraged to review the Marine Fisheries Assistance Expenditure Plan (PDF) criteria posted on the CED website. Applicants who have received funding during the first cycle of the Sea Fisheries Support Program are eligible for the second cycle. Applications are posted on the CED website and notices have been sent to marine licensees, stakeholder advisory groups and other potentially eligible parties. The DEC accepts applications from December 1 to January 14, 2022.

Detailed instructions for completing the application electronically can be found on the CED website. for more information, contact [email protected] or call (631) 444-0473.

Once the application period is over, the DEC will offer the opportunity to applicants whose applications have been refused to appeal. The DEC will work in conjunction with the ASMFC to distribute funding to approved applicants and assistance will be released once all applications received have been processed. Some recipients may be subject to federal audit.

New York State is undertaking a wide range of efforts to promote recreational fishing, restore marine ecosystems, strengthen Long Island’s economy, and fight climate change. This includes the expansion of New York’s artificial reef program, the country’s largest offshore wind program, record investments in the Environmental Protection Fund and water sanitation infrastructure, a ban on offshore drilling, the passage of the “bunker bill” to ban the use of a seines purse for the menhaden and the continued progress of the Long Island Shellfish Restoration Initiative.