Recent allocation of $123.6M in fishery disaster funding

Jun 292026
 
  • Alaska Bering Sea Snow Crab Fishery, 2023/2024
    • $114.7M
  • Alaska Chignik Salmon Fishery, 2022
    • $18.5M
  • Alaska Upper Cook Inlet East Side Setnet Salmon Fishery, 2023
    • $5.8M
  • Oregon Ocean Commercial Salmon Fisheries, 2023
    • $2.4M
  • California Sacramento River Fall Chinook and Klamath River Fall Chinook Salmon Fisheries, 2024
    • $21.3M

On June 17, 2026, NOAA announced the allocation of $123.6 million in fishery resource disaster funding for the fishery disasters listed above. However, it will still be some time before applications can open and, ultimately, before relief funds can be disbursed.

Once the Secretary of Commerce has determined that a fishery resource disaster has occurred, the Secretary is authorized under the 2022 Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act (16 U.S.C §1861a(a)(2)(A)) “ to make sums available, from funds appropriated for such purposes, to be used by the affected State, Indian Tribe, or interstate marine fisheries commission, or by the Secretary in cooperation with the affected State, Indian Tribe, or interstate marine fisheries commission.”   

The next step in the process is for NOAA to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to an eligible administrative entity or entities (i.e., affected states, tribes, or an interstate marine fisheries commission such as the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSFMC)) for the submittal of spend plans. NOAA has not yet determined the entity or entities that will administer the funds allocated for the above fishery disasters.

Once the NOFO is issued, the administering entity or entities will have 120 days to submit a grant application. After NOAA determines that the application is complete, the federal government will have up to 90 days to issue the primary award. After that time, the administering entity or entities may begin developing the relief program application materials in preparation for opening the application period and soliciting applications.

Historically, NOAA has required applications to remain open for a minimum of 90 days and has often encouraged an application period of at least 120 days, depending on the time of year and whether active fishery openers could limit applicants’ ability to apply.

Based on the information currently available, it will still be some time before applications become available. At this point, our best estimate is that relief funds may begin to be disbursed sometime during the summer or early fall of 2027.

We encourage you to periodically check NOAA’s  Fishery Resource Disaster Determinations website for updates.  If PSMFC is selected to administer any of the above fishery disasters, our website  will be our primary means of communicating new information throughout the funding disbursement process.

Fishery Disaster Programs

May 192026
 

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:

Disaster Funds are Considered Taxable Income

May 192026
 

Please note that all payments issued through federal fishery disaster relief programs are considered taxable income. Depending on your individual circumstances, these funds may also be subject to self-employment and / or income taxes.

 

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) does not provide tax advice and recommends consulting a qualified tax professional if you have questions about how these payments may affect your taxes.