June 18, 2026 — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the allocation of $123.6 million in fishery disaster relief funding after more than 18 months of delay.
The announcement follows Oregon Congresswoman Val Hoyle’s June 3 questioning of NOAA’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing, according to a release from Hoyle’s office.
“This is a win for our fisheries, our communities and the families of the workers who depend on fishing for their livelihoods,” Hoyle said. “Make no mistake: the delay in releasing these funds was devastating to our communities. Relief in these situations must be delivered quickly and comprehensively. Whatever administrative loophole, bureaucratic red tape or staffing reduction caused this delay in the first place must be examined to ensure it never happens again.”