Federal aid may be available for commercial and recreational fishers who sustained hurricane damage to their gear, boats, or other fishing equipment, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announced Monday.
DPNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will be available at the times and locations listed 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.
ST. THOMAS/ST.JOHN DISTRICT
Hull Bay: Mondays (Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov, 13,) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Frenchtown: Wednesdays (Nov. 8, Nov. 15), 9 a.m.- noon
Saturdays (Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18,) 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Red Hook Fish and Wildlife Office: (Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov.17,) Noon – 4 p.m.
Cruz Bay: Thursday Nov. 2, and Tuesday Nov. 7, 10 a.m.– 1 p.m.
ST. CROIX DISTRICT
Mars Hill DFW Office: Mondays (Oct. 30, Nov. 6th, Nov. 13,) 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Fridays (Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov.17,) Noon – 4 p.m.
Anna’s Hope (Environmental Enforcement): Wednesdays (Nov. 8 and Nov 15,) 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
DPNR Commissioner Dawn Henry urged fishers to bring as much information as possible about their losses, including:
– Quantity of lost or damaged gear (number 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.
More information is available and weekend appointments can be scheduled by calling Director of Fish and Wildlife Ruth Gomez at 340-514-5141.
