The U.S. Department of Commerce has allocated $15.8 million in federal fishery disaster assistance to address previously declared disasters in California, Florida, and fisheries associated with the Makah Tribe in Washington. Announced October 22, 2026, the funding was appropriated under the American Relief Act of 2025 and is intended to help affected fishing communities recover and improve the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of their fisheries.
California’s allocation addresses the 2023–2024 red sea urchin fishery disaster. NOAA determined funding allocations based on commercial revenue loss information. Eligible uses of the funding may include direct assistance to fishermen, fishery-related infrastructure improvements, habitat restoration, vessel and fishing permit buybacks, and workforce retraining.
How to Access Funding
NOAA Fisheries will issue a noncompetitive Notice of Funding Opportunity to eligible fishery disaster recipients. Recipients will have 120 days to submit applications after receiving the notice. This is not an open application opportunity for all seafood businesses; affected individuals and fishing communities should coordinate with the appropriate state or tribal government to determine eligibility and access the funding process.
Additional Resources
- Review detailed state funding allocations — Visit NOAA Fisheries for allocation details and program updates.
- Learn about NOAA Fisheries disaster assistance — Find information on fishery disaster declarations and assistance programs.
- Explore SBA disaster loan assistance — Eligible small businesses experiencing disaster-related financial losses may also qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help cover working capital and other operating expenses.