Another round of federal funding is available for local fishers and fish related businesses.
Through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Congress and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) have allocated an additional $2,953,444.16 to eligible American Samoa fishery participants affected by the COVID pandemic (COVID-19).
Applications for “Round 2” CARES Act assistance is now available through the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) website (relief.psmfc.org) or at the Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources (DMWR) office in Pago Pago.
Applications must be submitted to DMWR by August 02, 2022. Interested applicants should carefully review category requirements identified in American Samoa’s Round 2 Spend Plan (also available on the PSMFC website) to determine their eligibility. At a minimum, applicants must be able to claim:
• Economic revenue losses greater than 35% as compared to the previous 5-year* average revenue; AND
• Any negative impacts to subsistence fishing activities because of COVID-19
These claims need to be within the period of January 01 – December 31, 2021.
Entities that have been in business less than 5 years are still eligible for assistance.
Fishery participants eligible for funding include licensed Commercial Fishing Businesses which include Seafood Processors, Charter Fishing, Fishing Vessels, Fish Dealers, Marine Gear & Vessel Suppliers, Marine and Bait Tackle Operations, and subsistence fishers who operate and reside in American Samoa and meet the definitions and criteria within the spend plan.
Given the COVID-19 situation, please call before visiting the office and wear a mask at all times during your visitation.
For any CARES Act related questions, please email marineandwildliferesources@gmail.com or call 633-4456.
