COVID-19 Resources for Shellfish Industry

Updated 12/10/2020

Washington Sea Grant (WSG) is closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus — which causes the disease known as COVID-19 — and is making every possible effort to address the changing needs of the local shellfish aquaculture community.

Below are resources available to Washington State shellfish industry members during the COVID-19 outbreak, provided by the Washington State Governor’s office. This page will be updated as information changes and new programs emerge at the state level.

Additionally, WSG continues to follow all advice and directives set forth for safety and health by the University of Washington, which are detailed on the UW Novel Coronavirus Information Page.

Resources

This webinar from 3/18/20 discusses the resources provided by Washington State Governor’s office available to Washington State Shellfish Industry members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Links to the resources discussed are below.

Washington State Resources

• Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife:  CARES Act Relief Funding for Commercial Fishing Industry Members
  In response to the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the commercial fishing and seafood industry, U.S. Congress has appropriated $300 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act assistance for fisheries participants

 

• Message from the Washington State Department of Health: shellfish programs update in response to the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order
  This message was sent to shellfish industry members on 3/24/20

 

• Washington State COVID-19 Response website

 

• For workers affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus) web page
  The state legislature has authorized $200 million in emergency funding for COVID-19.  This includes $25 million to help mitigate the costs to businesses due to an expected increase in unemployment claims.

 

• Washington State Department of Commerce resources and links
  Commerce continues to work with the governor, state legislators and business leaders to identify other avenues of support.

 

• Washington State Department of Revenue – Tax Relief
  For businesses that need some temporary tax relief, the Department of Revenue has put into place new measures

 

• Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association  – COVID-19 emergency loans fo small businesses guide & checklist

Federal Resources

• US Department of Agriculture: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
  The Small Business Administration has released its guidelines for $50 billion in emergency loans related specifically to COVID-19.
• National Sea Grant Law Center – Legal Resources The National Sea Grant Law Center, in partnership with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Legal Program, created this webpage to serve as a clearinghouse of reliable information on CARES Act programs and other issues associated with COVID-19 for the fishing, aquaculture, and seafood industries.