Update on GOA Pink Salmon Disaster Funds

Hello, I wanted to pass along a few updates on the 2016 Gulf of Alaska pink salmon disaster funds.

1. NOAA has approved approximately $54 million in disaster funds spending for research and direct payments to CFEC permit holders, crew and processors. The funds will be transferred to Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission). The Commission has established a fisheries disaster web site athttps://www.psmfc.org/fishery-disaster-programs. This site is the best source of information about the funds distribution process and timeline, please monitor the site for updated information.

2. The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission will be mailing disaster funds payment applications directly to affected CFEC permit holders and processors. CFEC permit holders will be required to submit the names and addresses of each crew member on their application and Pacific States will send a separate application to those crew members. Applications must be completed and returned by the deadline to receive a payment. The application period will accommodate the summer fishing season.

3. To help ensure that CFEC permit holder applications are mailed to the correct address, permit holders may wish to verify the current mailing address on record with CFEC:https://www.cfec.state.ak.us/plook/#permits

If a correction is needed, submit the following address change form to CFEC:

https://www.cfec.state.ak.us/forms/Address_Change_Form.pdf

4. We are making good progress to find a method for distributing direct payments to eligible municipalities. The Pacific States web site will be updated with information as soon as it is available.

I hope you all have an enjoyable 4^th of July holiday.

Rachel Baker

Alaska Department of Fish & Game