Applications for qualified fishermen to
receive state financial assistance are now being distributed to more than 900
troll salmon permit holders along the Oregon Coast as part of an effort to
assist those impacted by restrictions on this summer's salmon harvest. Gov.
Ted Kulongoski directed $500,000 of his strategic reserve to help assist
Oregon's commercial troll salmon fleet.
“I am proud of the state agencies who have responded so aggressively to help
fishers displaced by the federal closure,” Kulongoski said in a press
release. “While I know this won't solve all of the financial difficulties, I
hope this will provide some assistance to fishers and their families as we
continue to secure more permanent federal aid.”
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is the lead agency for processing
applications and determining payments, and is planning to distribute funds to
fishermen by mid-August.
Trollers can expect to receive applications in the mail over the next week.
Oregon troll salmon permit holders who do not receive applications by July 19
can obtain one by contacting the Oregon Salmon Commission at (541) 994-2647.
Completed applications returned to ODA must be postmarked no later than July
28.
The funds are targeted to help meet expenses that have been or will be
incurred by individual troll salmon fishermen this year. Eligible expenses
include such items as license fees, moorage fees, boat loan payments, boat
insurance, safety equipment and other related items. The amount of money
individually received by eligible fishers will depend on the number of
qualified applicants as well as the amount of expenses submitted through the
applications.
ODA, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services have worked with the Oregon Salmon Commission, the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association, and others to establish eligibility criteria for distribution of the state funds.