Fish for the Future Foundation

Disaster Assistance Programs

Disaster Relief Programs

The 2005 Hurricane Season experience, the worst natural disaster in our nation's history, reinforced the need for fisherman, fishing communities, and fishing related industries to be better prepared, self reliant, and aware of federal programs designed to assist the American public.

In the past, special financial provisions were earmarked specifically for the fishing industry. The 2006 Disaster Supplemental which was enacted in June 2006 also contains some specific financial assistance for the fishing community. Although we are grateful to the congress for this relief, it comes 10 months after the first hurricane devastated the gulf fishing communities, especially those in Mississippi and Louisiana. Ten months later, the debris still hinders or prohibits shrimping and the lack of infrastructure such as the availability of ice makes it almost impossible for gulf fisherman to earn a livelihood from fishing.

Fish for the Future Foundation continues to try and raise funds from the American public to assist the impacted fisherman. We thank the many individuals that donated to the Gulf Fisherman's Relief Fund and are grateful for their recognition of the importance of a vibrant, vigorous fishing industry. But we need to raise at least ten times more than the total contributions collected in 2005.

We pledge to continue to try raising fund for our U.S. marine fisheries industry. In the meantime, however, you can also take responsibility for your fate by doing the following:

Keep personal financial records such as your birth certificate, social security card, and financial records, bank account numbers, and property inventory, including plot and an estimate of value.
Secure and maintain hazard insurance and flood insurance on your home and business
Meet with your state DNR and ask that your name be added to the list of individuals seeking debris removal. Urge your state DNR representative to make appropriate agreements with the Coast Guard, FEMA and other agencies to ensure employment opportunities for fisherman. Your DNR person is your main focal point, meet him and discuss his role before a disaster strikes.
Once a disaster is eminent, follow state and local authorities regarding evacuation. Your life and the lives of your family must be your most precious possessions and cannot be replaced, DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES.

Federal Disaster Relief Information

Business - Businesses can apply for Small Business Disaster loans. These loans are the only form of relief but usually offer a lower interest rate.

Individual, Family and Home -

Housing - If your home is damaged, destroyed or unlivable you may qualify for temporary housing. You will have to fill out an application and your property will be inspected. You will usually receive a payment for up to 3 months of rent (depending on the area you live in) directly to your bank account. This is provided in advance and you will need to re-qualify every 3 months. You will not receive this benefit if your insurance provides this benefit to you. Always keep your receipts, you will be asked for them.
Other Assistance for you and your Family - The primary form of this assistance is a loan from the Small Business Administration. It is secured like any other loan, with your holdings (collateral).
If you do not qualify for an SBA loan, you may qualify for a FEMA grant. These grants can only be made to you and your family if you have been turned down for an SBA loan.
If you do qualify for a FEMA grant it is intended to provide for "necessary expenses" such as fueling for a major appliance or transportation or tools for your trade. Again, always keep your receipts, you will be asked for them.

General Disaster Relief Information

All federal disaster relief is designed, by law, to be a Hand Up, not a Hand Out. FEMA's counselors are trained to get you off the federal payments as soon as possible and functioning on your own again, as soon as possible.

This information was gathered by working with fishermen during the 2005 Hurricane season. If you have any additional information that would be useful to fishermen, we are pleased to post it on this website.

Fish for the Future Foundation reiterates the need for an economic vibrant fishing industry to our Nation's economy and security.