The Department of Agriculture Division of Aquatic Wildlife Resources of the US Territory of Guam is trying to lure in more registered fishermen to take advantage of the CARES ACT Fisheries Relief Fund. And they’ve extended the deadline in hopes they’ll catch on.
Around June-July of this year, the Department of Agriculture Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) made a call out of commercial sustenance fishermen that were affected by COVID-19 restrictions to register as a fisherman under DAWR. This would allow DOA to determine eligibility for the CARES Act Fisheries Relief Fund. Since the August deadline for registration, they’ve received 814 registered and eligible fishermen. DOA’s, Frank Roberto, says they’d like to remind these fishermen to submit the application packets in order to receive funds.
“So far, since the announcement to submit application packets in October 29, only 106 have submitted their packets as of the November 30 deadline,” he said.
However, the deadline has now been extended to January 29th of next year in order to allow more fishermen to take the bait.
Roberto says all eligible applicants have already provided verified documentation to DAWR to validate the revenue or subsistence claims. No applications will be accepted after the due date. DAWR will notify applicants of deficient applications and will be given three business days to address any deficiencies.
“For payment and distribution of funding, DOAG DAWR will receive all applications, review them for accuracy and completeness by cross-referencing applications with data acquired during the DAWR fisher registration and forward to Pacific States Marines Fisheries Commission, PSMFC, for final approval and payment and disbursement,” he said.
Payments will be processed thereafter and a check will be mailed directly to the applicant. Any funding through the CARES Act is subject to federal and local tax requirements. The Commission is responsible for issuing 1099 forms directly to the applicants and Rev & Tax.
Roberto explained, “The sustenance fishermen will be getting around $900 and then the commercial fishermen will be compensated for their losses.” The 106 applicants that did turn in their applications can expect payment in the next two weeks. It is noted that this program is only for applicants that applied earlier in the year.
copyright KUAM