The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) announces that it is currently accepting applications for funding available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 in support of activities previously authorized under Section 12005 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The program was established to provide financial relief for losses suffered between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, by the state’s marine fishing industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible for the relief program, qualifying fishery-related businesses or individuals 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 December 31 in the preceding five years (2015-2019). Participants who have previously received CARES Act funding through Alabama’s Marine Industry Reimbursement Program are still eligible to apply. However, applicants may not receive more than 100% of their total claimed loss.
Only Alabama residents who 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, August 6, 2021. 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 a list of eligibility requirements 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.
###
