Fisheries Hit Hard By Pandemic To See Relief In Direct Payments

LONG ISLAND, NY — Local fishermen hit hard by the pandemic will soon be seeing relief in the form of direct payments.

New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced that $6.7 million in federal funding is available from the Marine Fisheries Relief Program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act to help New York's marine fishing industry hit hard by the pandemic.

Eligible seafood, commercial marine fishing, and marine recreational for-hire fishing businesses will be able to apply for the funding through Dec. 31 to help garner financial relief.

"As the economic pain of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact industries across the globe, New York's marine fishing industry is no exception," Cuomo said. "Whether it's recreational or commercial fishing, the business which comprise this industry have been vital to New York's economic success and cultural heritage since our state's inception and its critical we ensure they have the resources and support they need to keep operating during these difficult times."

The fishing industry in New York State, Cuomo said, supports nearly 350,000 jobs and generates billions through fishing, tourism and other industry.

The $6.7 million allocation from the Marine Fisheries Relief program was determined by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries based on the total average annual revenues from New York's fishery-related businesses — but does not reflect the full impact of industry's economic losses due to COVID-19, Cuomo said.

"New York's seafood and fishing industries are facing significant negative impacts since the initial response to COVID-19, and continue to face new challenges as our state and nation combat the spread," said the New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos.

Applications for the relief are posted on DEC's website and notices will be sent to marine permit holders, stakeholder advisory groups, and other potentially eligible parties. For additional information, email fisherydisaster@dec.ny.gov, or call (631) 444-0473.

Local East End lawmakers including New York State Senator Ken LaValle, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and New York State Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo applauded the measure.

"Our fishing industry is one of the cornerstones of the economy on eastern Long Island," Thiele said.