The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has launched a $30 million reimbursement program, designed in collaboration with the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA), to assist the commercial fishing industry that suffered damages from hurricanes Gustav and Ike this past year.
"Today we launch the first fisheries specific program dedicated to those who were affected by the twin storms of 2008," said LDWF Secretary Robert Barham. "We have developed a program, along-side our state partners, to ensure these funds are invested back into the fishing industry that is so vital to our state and our nation."
This week LDWF sent out more than 4,000 packets to commercial fishermen and wholesale/retail seafood dealers who were determined prequalified for this program based on the following criteria:
1) Reported sales or purchases on LDWF trip tickets during 1 September 2005 through 31 August 2008 (and received by LDWF by 30 November 2008) for crab, oyster, shrimp, saltwater finfish and menhaden
2) Held a 2008 resident Louisiana commercial fishing or wholesale/retail dealer license
This program will provide reimbursement to Louisiana resident commercial fishermen and wholesale/retail seafood dealers who provide acceptable receipts/invoices documenting expenses of eligible items.
"Louisiana's fishing industry produces nearly one-quarter of our nation's seafood, making it vital to the success of Louisiana's economy. In the past three and a half years, our commercial fishermen and seafood dealers have suffered great loss at the hands of four hurricanes, and these much-needed funds are an investment in helping them recover from such devastation," said Paul Rainwater, executive director of the LRA.
