Florida to Receive $23 Million in Aquaculture & Fisheries Assistance via CARES Act Stimulus

Tallahassee, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the allocation of $300 million in federal assistance for fisheries provided by the CARES Act stimulus package. These funds will be available for coastal and marine fishery participants negatively affected by COVID–19. Florida will receive $23.6 million of this funding to aid the state's commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is the state's lead aquaculture agency, and coordinates and assists in the development of aquaculture and regulates aquafarms to protect and conserve Florida's natural resources.

"As Florida's fishermen navigate uncertain markets, ensuring the recovery of our seafood industry is paramount to securing the nation's food supply," said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. "Thank you to Secretary Ross and the Congressional leaders who have provided Florida fisheries with this essential relief. We must continue to support our critical aquaculture, fishing industry, and our dedicated seafood professionals during these difficult times."

Ranked among the top U.S. states for fresh seafood production with over 400 commercial aquaculture operations, Florida's commercial fishing operations supply 84 percent of the nation's grouper, pompano, mullet, stone crab, pink shrimp, spiny lobster, and Spanish Mackerel. Both the commercial fishing and seafood products industries in Florida provide more than 13,000 jobs and have added-value contributions of over $730 million.

"Florida aquaculture producers have been heavily impacted by COVID-19. The aquaculture industry is incredibly thankful to federal leaders for including the industry in the CARES stimulus package and allocating much-needed relief alongside Florida's commercial fishing industry," said Portia Sapp, Director of Aquaculture for FDACS. “This funding is critical to help the industry continue to provide fresh, domestic seafood products to consumers during this difficult time and into the future."

NOAA Fisheries will use this allocation to disburse funds that address direct or indirect fishery-related losses as well as subsistence, cultural, or ceremonial impacts related to COVID-19.

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