State Senator Ken LaValle and Assemblymen Fred Thiele and Anthony Palumbo are pleased that $6.7 million in federal funding is now available from theMarine Fisheries Relief Program established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, act to assist New York’s marine fishing industry hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible seafood, commercial marine fishing, and marine recreational for-hire fishing businesses will be able to apply for the funding immediately. The NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will accept applications for 30 days, through December 31, 2020.

“Our fishing and marine industries are critically important to the State’s economy,” said Senator LaValle, who added, “The local men and women who work in these fields have been hard hit by the pandemic. I am pleased that they now have the opportunity to seek much needed financial relief through this program,” said Senator LaValle.

“Our fishing industry is one of the cornerstones of the economy on eastern Long Island. Covid-19 severely disrupted the marketplace causing severe economic hardship for our fishing families. This program will provide much needed financial relief for those adversely impacted by the pandemic. I urge eligible members of the industry to take advantage of this program, “said Assemblyman Thiele.

“This is a great opportunity for the fishing families throughout our region. These hard-working men and women need financial support now more than ever due to the unprecedented losses caused by the pandemic. I am hopeful that members of the local marine fishing industry apply and take advantage of this program,” said Assemblyman Palumbo.

According to the Legislators, the DEC has released New York Fisheries Relief Program applications and additional eligibility information. Participants are encouraged to review all criteria on the DEC's CARES Act website at www.dec.ny.gov, (search Marine Fisheries Relief Program). For more information email fisherydisaster@dec.ny.gov , or call (631) 444-0473. Applications will be available through December 31, 2020.