Hurricane Disaster Relief

Updated January 15, 2021

Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources informs the public and the fishing community that 10.7 million dollars are available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to rebuild the fishing community to pre-2017 hurricane season viability.

The direct financial assistance to commercial fishers, their helpers, charters, and fishing-dependent businesses will commence June 1, 2020. To qualify for financial assistance, fishers will need a valid 2017 business license issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, proof of employment in the fishing industry, and documentation of losses including receipts for any equipment already replaced. The application period is currently open.

Fishers will also receive safety equipment for their boats, derelict fishing equipment will be removed from our waters, and research to advance the development of artificial reefs will occur as additional components of the disaster relief assistance to enhance the resiliency of the fishery for the future.

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Please visit DPNR Division of Fish and Wildlife offices on St. Thomas at the Charles Turnbull Library or on St. Croix at Mars Hill on Thursdays and Fridays beginning 10/1/2020.

Please print forms and scan with all required documents for Phase 1 to: fishdisaster@dpnr.vi.gov.

DPNR-USVI Fisheries Disaster Assistance Program-Blank Application

W-9 Electronic Form

DUNS and SAM Instructions (ENG and ESP)

Please return all required documents for Phase 1 and an additional two documents for Phase 2 below to fishdisaster@dpnr.vi.gov. A Phase 2 checklist has been provided for your convenience.

Phase 2 Eligibility Checklist

Link to the USVI Disaster Request

Link to the USVI Disaster Determination from the Department of Commerce

Link to the USVI Disaster Appropriation Funding from Congress

Federal Grant: Approved by NOAA Disaster Relief Assistance USVI Fisheries Disaster Aid Proposal_Public

Federal Grant Report: Submitted for activities through July 31, 2020 InterimReport_31July2020