Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Florida congressional delegation are pushing for the U.S. Commerce Department to declare a federal fishery resource disaster declaration for areas of the state impacted by Hurricane Michael.
Scott sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Sec. Wilbur Ross on the matter on Tuesday. Declaring a disaster could make fisheries eligible for NOAA Fisheries fishery disaster assistance and other federal programs.
On Thursday, Florida’s two U.S. senators--Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bill Nelson--paired up with the three U.S. House members representing North Florida--Republicans Neal Dunn and Matt Gaetz and Democrat Al Lawson--in writing Ross on the matter.
“We write in full support of the state of Florida’s request for a federal fishery resource disaster declaration due to Hurricane Michael’s impacts on the Florida Panhandle and its fishing communities. This region of the state has long-relied upon both commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as shellfish aquaculture, to support economic growth and development. The economic effects extend far beyond the dock and provide employment opportunities and a sense of purpose and community,” the senators and congressmen wrote.
“Hurricane Michael has wreaked unparalleled devastation on the fishing industry in the Panhandle. Fishermen, aqua culturists, and harvesters have suffered extensive damage or outright destruction of vessels, facilities, equipment, traps, and other gear. These losses have been compounded by a decline in tourism both in the immediate aftermath of the storm and likely for the foreseeable future. Beyond mitigating the devastating impacts to residents’ livelihoods, we must not allow this storm to rob future generations of a vital base of future economic activity,” they added.
"As you consider the state’s request for a federal fishery resource disaster declaration and additional Economic Development Agency assistance, we also remind you that the significant shellfish industry in Apalachicola Bay and neighboring areas of the Gulf Coast had already been dealt a tremendous blow in 2012, for which a federal fishery resource disaster was declared in 2013. As a result, this assistance is all the more necessary now, and we respectfully request that your decision accurately reflects the grave situation along the shores of Florida’s Panhandle. We stand ready to work with you to secure the federal resources needed to fulfill this request,” they wrote in conclusion.
