The Network Supports Our Coastal, Fishing & Culinary Communities Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic

Fishing Boats in Newport, Oregon

Resources Available for Local Fishermen, Seafood Businesses & Working Waterfronts

The COVID-19 pandemic has closed waterfronts up and down our coasts and shuttered restaurants across the country. Many Network members, including commercial fishing operators, guides, outfitters, processors, restaurants and chefs have been scrambling to stay in business and provide our country with sustainable, high quality, domestic seafood, as well as to provide much-needed recreational opportunities on the water.

The Marine Fish Conservation Network has made supporting fishing and seafood businesses, coastal communities and working waterfronts during the coronavirus pandemic a priority. We are advocating for federal support that will help small coastal businesses weather the storm and ensure our community can rebuild once this pandemic is over. In addition, we have gathered the resources below to help small-boat commercial fishermen, the recreational fishing industry, fishing communities and businesses that rely on seafood caught in American waters find the support they need to navigate through this pandemic and toward a brighter future.

Resources to Support Local Fishermen & Seafood Businesses

This article gathers resources to help fishermen and seafood purveyors sell directly to customers. It also includes information for consumers to find seafood sources open during the pandemic that support small-scale fishermen and local seafood businesses, which make up the fabric of our coastal communities and working waterfronts. Read the article for more about:

  • Marketing seafood during COVID-19
  • Finding local seafood to buy (nationally, regionally and state-by-state)

COVID-19 and CARES Act Resources for Fishing and Seafood Communities

This article explored potential avenues for economic relief for fishing communities and fishing-related businesses around the time of the original CARES Act. Some of these resources have expired. As Congress continues to work to provide additional resources to further assist our working waterfronts, we will continue to update our blog and website with the latest information. Read the article for:

  • An overview of the major provisions of the CARES Act
  • Government resources for small businesses during the pandemic
  • Resources from organizations in the recreational and commercial fishing sectors

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020

The National Law Review wrote an overview of the PPP Flexibility Act, which “makes several critical changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The changes provide relief to many businesses currently using PPP loan proceeds and preparing to seek loan forgiveness within the requirements of the CARES Act.” See also the Network’s statement about the bill’s passage into law.

Latest from the Hill

Marine Fish Conservation Network Statements

From Our Blog: