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Home > Current News > 2008

News: 2008

Governor Jindal Receives Confirmation on Request for Federal Fisheries Disaster Relief in Aftermath of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
Posted: 9/18/08

Governor Bobby Jindal has received confirmation from U.S. Commerce Secretary M. Carlos Gutierrez that a formal fishery resource disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has been declared due to the devastation of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The declaration, prompted by the governor’s Sept. 5 letter that began the Hurricane Gustav recovery effort, sets in motion provisions of the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act that authorize assistance to fishermen affected by natural disasters. This action also makes small fishing businesses eligible for certain Small Business Administration loans.

“Our fishing industry has sustained another set back, that may well be as formidable as the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and this action begins the early response initiatives,” said Governor Jindal. “The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will coordinate the use of recovery funds provided through this process. We know more help will be needed, but this is a necessary first step.”

Commercial fishing in the affected areas consists mostly of finfish, shrimp and oysters. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will work with the states to further assess damage to the major fishing ports and the seafood processing facilities in Louisiana and Texas.

The initial affected areas under today's declaration are Texas and Louisiana. DOC/NOAA will continue to work with the region to assess the impacts of the storm in other areas of the Gulf.

“The economic impacts of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike on fishing communities in the Gulf of Mexico will hurt these communities,” Gutierrez said. “We have a lot of work to do, but this disaster determination is an important step in the recovery process.”

NOAA’s Fisheries Service will work with the states to distribute any funds appropriated in response to this determination.

“Working with the fishing industry and NOAA, we will assess the damage to our fishing resources and move quickly to deliver recovery funds where needed,” said Robert Barham, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries secretary.

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