Pallone to Announce Bill to Help Fishing Industry Recoup Post-Sandy

Supplemental Funding will Assist in Recovery of Fisheries Disaster and Plug Shortfall in Sandy Relief Package


(BELFORD, NJ) – On Monday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will  be at the Belford Seafood Co-op, 901 Port Monmouth Road Belford, to announce his plan to assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted as a result of Superstorm Sandy at the Belford Seafood Co-op. Pallone will also speak with commercial fishermen to discuss the damage they suffered what assistance is needed for a full recovery.

Last month, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a report detailing the economic and socio-economic effects of Superstorm Sandy on the fishing industry and fishing-related businesses and infrastructure in New Jersey. The report estimated total uninsured losses of $78 million to $121 million for New Jersey’s fishing industry and coastal communities due to Sandy. The impact on the commercial fishing industry, which contributed $2.4 billion to New Jersey’s gross state product in 2011, is estimated to be $14 million. Pallone’s statement on the report can be viewed here.

The funding package passed by Congress in the wake of Superstorm Sandy included only $5 million for fisheries disaster assistance, far below the initial $150 million passed by the U.S. Senate. Pallone’s bill appropriates $193 million to fully fund the estimated cost to recover storm affected fisheries.