Number: RL34209
Title: Commercial Fishery Disaster Assistance
Authors: Harold F. Upton, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Disaster relief is provided by the federal government to assist the fishing industry when it is affected by a commercial fishery failure. A commercial fishery failure occurs when fishermen endure hardships resulting from fish population declines or other disruptions to the fishery. The Department of Commerce can provide disaster assistance under either § 308 of the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act (IFA) (16 U.S.C. § 4107), as amended, or § 312(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C § 1861(a)). The National Marine Fisheries Service plays a central role in determining whether a disaster has occurred and in allocating funding to states and affected fishing communities. Congress also plays a pivotal role by appropriating funds and providing oversight of the process.
Pages: 17
Date: November 10, 2008