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Apr 292025
 

Impacts to Federal Fishery Disaster Relief

 

To address concerns regarding federal fishery disaster relief funded through NOAA Fisheries, the Commission reports that, as of this posting, there are no impacts. If changes occur or new information becomes available, we will update this page with the relevant details.

 

In the meantime, please refrain from contacting us about this matter while we focus on processing claims for ongoing disasters. Please note that the Commission may receive updates at the same time as the general public. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these challenges.

Fishery Disaster Programs

Apr 292025
 

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is working collaboratively with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to distribute funds appropriated by Congress for various fishery disasters.  NMFS has requested the Commission administer the fishery disaster programs.

For questions, please contact the respective state’s disaster team:

Due to high call volumes, return calls may be delayed. For faster responses, please email.

If leaving a voicemail you MUST:

  1. Provide your first and last name (and business name if applicable)
  2. INDICATE WHICH DISASTER YOU ARE INQUIRING ABOUT; FAILURE TO DO SO MAY LEAD TO DELAYS IN RESPONSES
  3. Provide a brief message
  4. Provide a good call back number you can be reached at. 

For additional information:

2019-20 Washington Salmon: Columbia River, Willapa Bay, Puget Sound, and Ocean Troll/Charter Fisheries

Apr 292025
 

Applications for the 2019 and 2020 Washington salmon disasters affecting the Columbia River, Willapa Bay, Puget Sound, and Ocean Troll/Charter Fisheries are scheduled to open at 12:00 AM PDT on Thursday, May 8, 2025, and will remain open for a minimum of 90 days, closing no sooner than 11:59 PM PDT on Thursday, August 6, 2025.

Notifications that include a unique 8-digit ID (required to apply) are being mailed to qualifying individuals/entities the week of April 28, 2025. Those who held a 2020 Washington Ocean Charter Salmon license are being sent a similar notice, however, are additionally required to complete the “2020 Washington Ocean Charter Affidavit & Paid Salmon Angler Worksheet” in order to qualify and apply.

If you believe you qualify but did not receive a mailed notice, please wait until at least Tuesday, May 27, 2025 to inquire. Inquiries received prior to this date will not be responded to. This should allow sufficient time for USPS to deliver your notice or for parcels to be returned to sender.

Applicants are encouraged to review both the 2019 and 2020 Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) spend plans prior to inquiring to identify the qualifications needed for eligibility. Both of those documents may be found by clicking here.

2020 GOA Pacific Cod Disaster Relief

Mar 122025
 

Applications for the 2020 GOA Pacific cod disaster became available at 12:00 PM AKDT on 3/13/2025

 

Please Note:

  • Printed applications are NOT available. Applicants MUST use the online portal.
  • Receiving a notification indicates eligibility to apply for relief.
  • Allow three weeks for delivery before contacting us. This will allow sufficient time for delivery or for notices to be returned to sender.
    • If you have not received a notification by April 1, 2025, please review the State of Alaska’s spend plan for eligibility criteria prior to contacting us. 
    • Staff will only begin responding to requests for unique IDs after April 1, 2025.

 

For more information – CLICK HERE

Applications for the 2023 California Salmon disaster are now available

Feb 252025
 

Notifications with instructions and unique IDs necessary for application will be sent out during the week of February 24th to eligible individuals/entities in the troll, buyer, and charter sectors.

 

In-river salmon guides who purchased a guide license between 2020-2023 and expressed their intent to target salmon will receive a similar notification. However, guides must provide documentation of a gross revenue loss for their businesses in order to qualify. Additionally, guides will receive an affidavit and loss worksheet, which must be completed before applying for relief online.

 

For more information: CLICK HERE

Important Notice for Applicants Submitting Multiple Applications

 

If you have received more than one notice or are submitting multiple applications using the same email address, please use the following link for any second or subsequent applications: https://fs2.formsite.com/r5VtxP/wguakkxdun/index

 

Please note that the web link and QR code provided in your initial notification will only be valid for your first application when using the same email address.

 

ShareFile Confirmation Emails

Feb 182025
 

PSMFC has recently become aware that some individuals have not received the expected auto-generated confirmation email. We are currently working with ShareFile support, our third-party hosting service, to resolve this issue.

If the page confirmed that the file was uploaded, please rest assured that it has been successfully received, and no additional action is needed.

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