Saving Seafood

Kim Gorton calls on Congress to pass another stimulus for small businesses in seafood, foodservice

September 30, 2020 — Bad debt is plaguing the U.S. seafood industry, and the only cure is another federal stimulus package. That was the message Kim Gorton delivered Wednesday, 30 September, to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business.

Gorton, the president and CEO of Slade Gorton and a board member of the National Fisheries Institute, the U.S. seafood industry’s primary trade body, told the panel seafood industry businesses like her family’s have a combined USD 2.2 billion (EUR 1.9 billion) in bad debt and other foodservice companies carry about USD 10 billion (EUR 8.53 billion) in bad debt.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Ranking Member Chabot Statement on PPP Extension

July 2, 2020 — The following was released by The Office of Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH):

Today, House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Steve Chabot (R-OH) issued the following statement on House passage of S. 4116, a bill that extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application period to August 8, 2020.

“Passage of this bill is welcome news, especially as many small businesses continue to face an uphill climb on the road to economic recovery.

This legislation will give more small businesses the chance to access the Paycheck Protection Program – a program that has already helped millions across the country. It also ensures the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) program will continue to operate once PPP funds are exhausted.

While our work is not done, I am glad Congress has yet again come together in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to support America’s small businesses.”

House Panel Reviews Economic Impact of Shutdown on Businesses, Including Fisheries

February 7, 2019 — Yesterday, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing examining the economic impact of the recent government shutdown. The seafood industry was among the most affected; recent testimony from fishermen highlighted how the closures of NOAA offices have prevented many of them from fishing for the duration of the 35-day shutdown.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce praised the decision to hold the hearing, writing in a letter to the Committee that a government shutdown “is not something businesses large and small should have to worry about.” The letter cited, among others, the experience of New Bedford, Massachusetts captain Jack Morris, Director of Vessel Operations for the F/V Madison Kate. Captain Morris, at a January 25th Chamber event, recounted how the shutdown prevented a routine license transfer between two of his vessels, keeping an entire crew off the water and without pay until NOAA offices reopened.

Saving Seafood recently spoke with both Captain Morris and Captain Justin Dube, also of New Bedford, about the effects of the shutdown.