Fishery Disaster Programs

Aug 152025
 

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:

2020 Gulf of Alaska Pacific Cod Relief Payments

Aug 152025
 

Relief checks for vessel owners, permit holders, processors, and tenders were mailed on 8/15/2025.

 

Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery before inquiring into the status of your check. This should allow ample opportunity for the USPS to either deliver your check or for it to be returned to sender as undeliverable.

 

Please write to AKFishDisaters@psmfc.org after Monday, September 8, 2025 if not received by then. Please note, PSMFC will not respond to inquires on this topic prior to 9/8/2025.

2021-23 BBR/BSS Vessel Owners

Jul 252025
 

On Monday, July 28th, the initial 75% payment to qualifying vessel owners was mailed. These checks were sent via certified mail and require a signature upon delivery. Please be sure to mail back the green postcard included with your check, as it notifies PSMFC that your check has been received and signed for. The postcard is attached outside the envelope and is prepaid for your convenience.

All checks are expected to be delivered by Monday, August 4th. If you have not received your check by then, please wait until at least Monday, August 11th before contacting us about its status.

Additionally, on July 29th, PSMFC staff sent an automated message to applicants containing the tracking number for their relief check. This allows you to track the delivery status of your payment.

2018 & 2020 Copper River and Prince William Sound Salmon Relief

Jul 232025
 

Checks related to the 2018 and 2020 Copper River and Prince William Sound Salmon Disaster Relief were mailed on July 23, 2025. 

  • This includes permit holders and processors only. 
    • Crew member relief has not yet been finalized. 
  • If you are expecting a check, please wait until August 18th  before inquiring about its status. This allows time for delivery by the U.S. Postal Service or for the check to be returned to our office as undeliverable.
  • If a check is returned, PSMFC staff will attempt to contact recipients to confirm or update mailing information.
  • For questions after August 18th, please contact us at AKFishDisaster@psmfc.org 
    • PSMFC will not entertain questions related to check statuses until after August 18th.