On March 21, the Fish and Boat Commission announced it is offering a grant program for financial assistance to Lake Erie fisheries participants negatively affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Apply between April 4 - May 4

The Pennsylvania CARES Act II Lake Erie Fisheries Relief Grant Program is made possible through the Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-260) to assist fisheries-related businesses in the Great Lakes negatively affected by the pandemic.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine Fisheries Service allocated $14,985,000 to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission through this program to assist Great Lakes fisheries-related business. 

The GLFC made available approximately $250,000 to provide direct assistance to Pennsylvania residents who are involved in the following qualifying fisheries sectors in the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie or located in Pennsylvania's portion of the Lake Erie Watershed:  seafood processors, wholesaler dealers/distributers, and aquaculture operations; commercial fishing enterprises; recreational for-hire fishing businesses; and bait and tackle operations. 

Seafood retail markets, restaurants, boat yards, vessel repair businesses, or subcontractors are not eligible for funding through this program.

The PFBC is responsible for making these funds available to qualifying applicants in Pennsylvania.  Applications received before or after those times will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

Grant application materials with additional information about this grant program can be found on the PFBC website.  Completed application packages must be received at PFBC Headquarters, CARES Act II Lake Erie Fisheries Relief, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000

For more information about applying for this grant, contact Sean Gimbel at (717) 705-7842 or sgimbel@pa.gov. 

[Posted: March 22, 2022]

3/28/2022