December 28, 2022 — This week Congress acted quickly to include $300 million (€282 million) in funds for fishery disasters in its massive omnibus appropriations bill. Earlier this month the US government determined fishery disasters in multiple Alaska and Washington state fisheries over the last several years, including the Alaska Bristol Bay red king crab and Bering Sea snow crab fisheries.
“The $300 million included in the omnibus appropriation package for fishery disasters is a great start for much-needed money to help fishermen and communities pay their bills,” said Jamie Goen, executive director for Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers. “We commend the Secretary of Commerce, NOAA Fisheries, and members of Congress, particularly the Alaska and Washington delegations, for their swift action and attention to this issue affecting so many hard-working Americans and family fishing businesses.”