June 3, 2020

Coronavirus aid headed to states – but not enough, industry says

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National & International
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Current Issue » July

Guest Author:

Kirk Moore & Jessica Hathaway

Coronovirus response July 2020 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is for the first time directing $20 million in spending to purchase East Coast seafood, like the fish the crew of the Arianna Maria is packing out for a food bank. Fulfill photo.

Nearly six weeks after the CARES Act was signed by President Trump on March 27, funds for disaster loans, first-ever unemployment compensation for fishermen and a block of $300 million in federal direct aid began to trickle down into the industry. Fishing advocates responded with appreciation of the federal allocations as well as a warning that these funds must only be the first step to maintaining the essential services provided by the U.S. commercial fishing industry.