Updated 10/5/2022
California’s Round 2 CARES Act relief has closed.
Disbursement will occur by the end of 2022.
Due to the high number of applicants needing to be contacted due to errors, issues, or omission it has regrettably taken the Commission longer than expected to process California’s Round 2 applications. Relief will be disbursed no later than 12/31/2022.
For more information regarding California’s Round 1 or Round 2 spend plans, please contact the California Dept. Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
SPEND PLAN – California’s Round 2 – October 1, 2021
California’s Round 1 application period has closed to all sectors.
Applications were required to be postmarked by 9/8/2020 for California’s Round 1 CARES Act relief. Checks were mailed in early November 2020. Those who applied but did not receive payment should contact the California Dept. Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) at CaresFisheriesInfo@wildlife.ca.gov or CACares@psmfc.org
“Coastal and marine fishery participants – including licensed commercial fishermen, fish buyers, aquaculture businesses, charter boat owners and guides – who have experienced a loss of income due to the effects of COVID-19 may be eligible for federal relief funding disbursed through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
The funding is part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This more than $2 trillion economic relief package provides direct economic assistance for American workers, families and small businesses that have been impacted COVID-19. About $18 million in CARES funding was earmarked specifically for fisheries assistance in California.
CDFW estimates that there are more than 11,500 potentially eligible applicants for this funding, including individuals who work in the offshore, shoreside, aquaculture, commercial passenger fishing vessel and guide sectors.
Eligibility will be based on, among other things, a minimum 35 percent loss of fishing related income due to COVID-19 between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2020. Applicants must also submit documentation demonstrating active involvement in a qualifying sector.”
CARES Act Fisheries Relief for California – CDFW
California’s Round 1 Spend Plan – July 22, 2020