Fishermen finally receive funds to help with recovery

Forty-five fishermen from the coastal parishes were among the first to collect grants available to them since hurricanes Katrina and Rita wiped out over $400 million in fishing infrastructure 18 months ago.

Leaders from across the state’s fishing industry were on hand in Baton Rouge to support the milestone.

“If there was any doubt about the dire need for fishing industry recovery support, the 800 grant applications we processed and evaluated put and end to lingering questions,” said Kevin Belanger, CEO of the South Central Planning and Development Commission.

The Back to the Dock program is the work of the Louisiana Fishing Recovery Coalition. Although the group is continuing to seek funds from the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the grant project was developed in the interim. Back to the Dock represents a collaboration between the planning commissions and Shell Oil.

“Thanks to the generosity of our Gulf of Mexico partner Shell and the efficiency of the Louisiana Planning District, our fishermen will get the support they deserve,” said Mike Voison, Louisiana Oyster Task Force and co-chair of the LFRC.

“It’s taken a year and a half, but finally our fishermen are starting to get financial assistance. These grants represent the first money to reach individual fishermen,” said Harlon Pearce, chairman of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board and co-chair of the LFRC.

The coalition is seeking $20 million from the LRA to fund grants and loans to fishermen and help rebuild the state’s $3.3 billion fishery industry.

“This public-private partnership will enable relief to reach those who need it most in an efficient and effective manner,” said Fred Palmer, manager of communications for Shell Exploration & Production. “Consistent with our donation of three ice houses in southern Louisiana last fall, our desire is to help our neighbors on the Gulf get back on the water as quickly as possible.”