Commerce Secretary Declares Fishery Disaster for Gulf of Mexico

U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke (D) has reportedly declared a fishery disaster in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the ongoing Deepwater Horizon oil spill’s effect on commercial and recreational fisheries in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Made in response to requests from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal (R) and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R), the determination will help ensure that the federal government “is in a position to mobilize the full range of assistance that fishermen and fishing communities may need,” Locke said.

The Commerce Department has asked for $15 million in supplemental funding “as a backstop to address this disaster,” $5 million in economic development assistance through the Economic Development Administration and unemployment coverage. In addition, the Small Business Administration has offered economic injury disaster loans to help fishermen and other affected businesses. See U.S. Commerce Department Press Release, May 24, 2010.