FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2020
CONTACT: Jo Knight, jo@conservefish.org

Arlington, VA – President Trump today signed a $2 trillion third stimulus package that will provide significant financial relief to small businesses, including those in the fishing and seafood industries, that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation also included $300 million specifically to assist workers in fisheries and aquaculture-related jobs who have been affected by loss of income. Robert C. Vandermark, executive director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, released the following statement.

“We applaud Congress and the Administration for supporting men and women in the fishing and seafood industries during their time of need. These industries provide more than a million jobs and contribute more than $60 billon to the U.S. gross domestic product. Coastal communities around the U.S. are made up of family businesses that have provided local, fresh and sustainably-caught seafood for generations, and it is crucial that America’s long-standing fishing tradition continues to thrive after the COVID-19 crisis has passed.

“We thank the Members of Congress and our Network partners who have worked tirelessly on behalf of our fishermen and working waterfronts to secure $300 million in financial support to assist them through the remainder of the country’s shutdown due to coronavirus. We look forward to seeing these funds being swiftly disbursed to those within the fishing and seafood industries who have experienced hardship during these difficult times. In this period of uncertainty and sadness, it’s heartening to see all of us come together to support coastal communities, local businesses, and each other.”

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The Marine Fish Conservation Network is a coalition of commercial and recreational fishing associations, regional and national conservation groups, aquaria, and marine science organizations committed to sustaining fish populations, healthy marine ecosystems, and robust fishing communities.