The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) announces that it is currently accepting applications for its Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act relief program for fishery-related businesses. The program was established to provide financial relief for losses suffered by the state’s marine fishing industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about the program, visit www.outdooralabama.com/CARES-ACT.
Earlier this year, Congress awarded $3.2 million to the state of Alabama to address financial losses caused by the pandemic that occurred in the state’s seafood industry between March 1 and May 31, 2020.
To be eligible for the relief program, qualifying fishery-related businesses must have experienced revenue losses greater than 35% between the dates listed above. The 35% revenue loss is compared to the average revenue earned between March 1 and May 31 in the preceding five years (2015-2019).
Only Alabama residents and tribal members that are licensed as saltwater commercial fishermen (those that possess licenses for fishing, taking/catching of oysters, taking/carrying shrimp, gill net fishing, and “crab catching”), seafood or oyster aquaculture operators, non-retail seafood dealers or processors, live-bait dealers, and for-hire vessel owners/operators are eligible to participate in the program.
Qualifying individuals and businesses must be able to substantiate their income reduction and complete the application process to be eligible for loss reimbursement. Alabama residents who participate in eligible fisheries in other states as non-resident licensees may also be eligible to participate in Alabama’s program.
Completed applications and supporting documentation can be mailed, shipped or hand delivered to the MRD office in Gulf Shores, Alabama, located at 999 Commerce Drive. Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, October 30, 2020. Completed applications can also be hand delivered by 5 p.m. that day. Electronic copies (including email) will not be accepted. For more information about the program, including FAQs and the application form, visit www.outdooralabama.com/CARES-ACT.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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