Contact:  Catherine Anderson          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                      10/23/96

COVERAGE OF GULF FISHERMEN EXTENDED BY MODIFICATIONS TO FISHERIES DISASTER PROGRAM

More commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico are currently eligible for compensation of fishing gear or vessels damaged by the "Storm of the Century," hurricanes, floods, or their aftereffects, occurring Aug. 23, 1992, through Dec. 31, 1995, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today.

NOAA's Fisheries Disaster Program, which will award up to $5 million in emergency aid grants to offset such uninsured losses or damages, has been expanded to reach more commercial Gulf fishermen who suffered eligible loss during the disaster period. Fishing gear or vessels lost or damaged by the "Storm of the Century," which occurred on March 12-14, 1993, will now be covered under the revised program. Additional revisions note that fishermen who have not yet repaired or replaced their loss are eligible to apply and clarify that damage may have occurred either on land or in the water.

"These disaster funds were authorized by the Inter-jurisdictional Fisheries Act for the purpose of assisting fishermen who suffered uninsured losses as a direct result of fishery resource disasters," said Rolland Schmitten, director of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. Last year, the Commerce Department declared a fisheries disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and made emergency aid available for distribution by NOAA.

The original program coverage was limited to loss sustained as a result of hurricane or flood. Officials have since determined the "Storm of the Century" to have been equal in magnitude to a hurricane, so the damage that occurred because of this storm will now be covered. Earlier changes arising from an April public comment period increased the percentage of loss that may be compensated, raised the limits on compensation, and enabled charter boat owner/operators to participate in the program.

"We have revised the program in order to further assist Gulf fishermen, " said John Bullard, director of NOAA's Office of Sustainable Development and Intergovernmental Affairs. "We believe these revisions and the extended application period will allow greater participation by fishermen severely impacted by natural disasters,"

Awards will be granted for up to 100 percent of fishing gear or vessel repair or replacement cost, or for an amount not to exceed $7,500. To allow fishermen to consider these new revisions, NMFS has added 30 days to the program closing date. Applications must be submitted before November 7, 1996 and will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Interested parties can obtain applications by contacting the National Marine Fisheries Service Financial Services Division at (301)713-2396. Applications should be sent to Charles L. Cooper, Chief, Program Leader, Financial Services Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

                              ###