Department of Planning and Natural Resources has announced that federal aid may be available to both commercial and recreational fishers who sustained hurricane damage to their gear, boats, or other fishing equipment.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife will be available at the times and locations listed below to assist fishers in assessing damages and losses for the Fishers’ Disaster Aid Program. Commercial and recreational fishers are eligible for this aid and are encouraged to attend one of the sessions.
Schedule
- St. Thomas-St. John District
Hull Bay: Mondays (Oct. 30, Nov.6th, Nov, 13 ) 10 am – 2 pm
Frenchtown: Wednesdays (Nov. 8, Nov.15) 9 am – 12 pm
Saturdays (Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18) 2 pm – 5 pm
Red Hook: Fridays (Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov.10, Nov.17) 12 pm – 4 pm
(DFW Office)
Cruz Bay: Thursday, Nov. 2 and Tues Nov. 7, 10 am – 1 pm
- St. Croix District
Mars Hill: Mondays (Oct. 30, Nov.6th, Nov, 13 ) 10 am – 2 pm
(DFW Office)
Fridays (Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov.10, Nov.17) 12 pm – 4 pm
Anna’s Hope: Wednesdays (Nov. 8 and Nov 15) 10 am – 2 pm
Environmental Enforcement
Commissioner Henry urges fishers to bring as much information as possible about their losses, including:
- Quantity of lost or damaged gear (# of fish traps, nets, rods, etc.)
- Location of lost or damaged gear (specific location at sea or on land)
- Value of lost or damaged gear and equipment (cost per trap, cost of damages to vessel, engines, ice machines, freezers, scales, etc.
- Receipts and photographs to support your claims if possible
For more information or to schedule a weekend appointment, call Director of Fish and Wildlife Ruth Gomez at (340) 514-5141.
Tags: commercial fishers, department of planning and natural resources, federal aid, recreational fishers, usvi