Louisiana opens applications for $27M in fisheries aid

Louisiana will open applications on Oct. 19 for about $27 million in federal disaster assistance to fishing businesses affected by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said NOAA allocated the funding. Prequalification letters are expected to be mailed Friday, outlining potential payments and required documentation. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 31, with eligibility reviewed in the order received and all eligible applicants submitting before the deadline slated to receive a direct payment—so it is not first-come, first-served. The program covers commercial vessel owners, fishermen, seafood dealers, charter captains and processors. Prequalification for many categories depends on holding certain Louisiana licenses and documenting saltwater seafood sales on department trip tickets in at least one qualifying year. Applicants must have a current government-issued photo ID and maintain required state licenses.