BOSTON (WWLP) – Massachusetts seafood processors, commercial fishermen, shellfish farmers and pleasure boat owners are urged to apply for a portion of the $ 23.8 million in aid funds the state will receive through federal aid, aid and the economy. Security Act (CARES).

The Baker-Polito administration said the Marine Fisheries Division (DMF) of the Department of Fisheries and Game is sending applications to companies that may be eligible.

“The fishing industry has been particularly affected during the pandemic, with very limited exports of seafood and a sharp decline in restaurant sales,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.. “The distribution of an additional $ 23.8 million will provide much needed relief to fishermen and fishing-related businesses that have been severely affected by the pandemic. “

Applications for this round of funding will be mailed on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to eligible licensees in all four industry sectors. All applications must be returned to DMF, postmarked no later than August 28, 2021. Detailed information and updates on the program can be found here. The DMF will maintain separate web pages for each sector, including eligibility requirements and a list of applicants indicating the status of each application.

To assist industry participants in submitting their applications, DMF staff will be available via email, phone, and regional in-person workshops at the following times and locations:

• August 11, 2021, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m .: Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance, 1566 Main St., Chatham, MA 02633
• August 12, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m .: Mass. Lobstermen’s Association, 8 Otis Place, Scituate, MA 02066
• August 17, 2021, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m .: DMF New Bedford Office, 836 S Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744
• August 18, 2021, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m .: DMF Gloucester Office, 30 Emerson Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

On March 29, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce announced the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which provides additional funding of $ 255 million in fisheries assistance to support activities previously permitted under the CARES Act, to the states and territories with participants in coastal and marine fisheries that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. In this second round of relief funding for the COVID-19 fishery, Massachusetts received $ 23.8 million, the third highest allocation in the country, behind Alaska and Washington.