Update on Relief Check Distribution – May 22, 2025
Relief checks were mailed on May 22, 2025 to eligible S03H and S04H permit holders and processors.
Crewmember applications are still being processed. A disbursement date for crew checks has not yet been determined.
Please wait until Monday, June 9 before reaching out, if you have not received your check. This allows time for postal delivery or return processing if your check is undeliverable.
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.
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:
For additional information:
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.
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.
For more information: CLICK HERE