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COVID-19 Updates

September 25, 2020

Update as of September 25, 2020

Important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

  1. November Alaska Symphony of Seafood Event Postponed, Rescheduling Planned for Spring 2021. The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, organizer of the Alaska Symphony of Seafood (Symphony) since 1994, Monday, September 21, 2020 announced the postponement of the Symphony event planned for November 2020 due to the ongoing health and safety issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rescheduling for the event is planned for Spring of 2021 with a Call for Product to be reissued in early 2021.

Despite some re-opening measures nationally and locally, there are still far too many uncertainties about the impact that COVID-19 will have on travel and mass gatherings this November in Seattle. Accordingly, it is impossible to hold an in-person event that would provide an experience that the Alaska seafood industry finds so valuable within the Symphony. AFDF will continue to monitor the COVID-19 health crisis and will provide monthly updates to the industry and partners on the 2021 rescheduled event. Additionally, AFDF will explore exciting opportunities to hold virtual events throughout the year, celebrating past Symphony winners along with new value-added products made from Alaska Seafood.

The Symphony is designed to support and promote the Alaska seafood industry and is 100% supported by industry. After AFDF polled industry partners and participants, it became evident that COVID-19 has and will continue to hinder much of industry’s ability to produce new value-added products or participate in the Symphony within such close proximity to the peak of the pandemic, whether in-person or virtual. Without healthy participation by industry, the benefits of an in-person or virtual event are limiting. Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we will let interested entrants know about the event format, product quantities, and delivery information when more information is available on the format of scheduled events. The safety of all communities is of the topmost importance, thank you for your understanding. See press release or visit the AFDF website for more information.

  1. Pacific Marine Expo In-person Event Cancelled, Virtual Expo Online Scheduled for November 17-20. Diversified Communications, organizer of Pacific Marine Expo announced that due to ongoing health and safety issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become necessary to cancel the 2020 edition that was planned for December of 2020. The Pacific Marine Expo team will continue to reach out to customers regarding opportunities to build business and reconnect with the community for the 2021 edition. Additionally, organizers have announced the launch of “Expo Online” Presented by National Fisherman – a digital experience that will allow commercial mariners to come together virtually during these unprecedented times. Hosted on National Fishermen, Expo Online will feature three days of free, streaming educational content and special events, discussions in the National Fisherman Forum, and a comprehensive supplier guide in lieu of an exhibit floor. For more information, visit Pacific Marine Expo.

ECONOMIC RELIEF

  1. Alaska Communities Economic Relief Programs: The following communities still have available grant/loan programs of their own that some fishing industry businesses may be eligible for. However, this is not an exhaustive list. You should check with your local community for programs that may benefit you or your business.
  • JUNEAU – Juneau has both loans and grants available under phase 1 – phase 2 is under development but unsure what it looks like and if you would have had to participate in phase 1 or not. The grant requires a business license, AFDF has asked but not received a response if a CFEC permit will work as per AK statute which does not require a commercial fishermen to have a business license in the State.
  • KETCHIKAN – there are four different grants. It appears that two of the grants required a 40% decline in revenue for the 2nd qtr of the year based on sales tax returns. More information here.
  1. Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) $35M in CARES funds for nonprofits: ACF and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) have completed the first round of Coronavirus Nonprofit Relief Fund (CNRF) grant awards. Grant funds are from Alaska’s share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are to be distributed to eligible nonprofit and faith-based organizations to aid in their continued efforts to combat the adverse effects of COVID-19 in Alaska. The total grantmaking allocation for this program is $35 million, with $18 million available in the first round (was due July 29), up to $12 million in the second round (was due August 26) and the remaining balance in the third round (due October 14). Organization’s grant awards through this program will range from $25,000 to $1,000,000. Eligible organizations are as follows: 501(c)3 public charitable organization with 509(a)1, 509(a)2, or 509(a)3 public charitable status; 501(c)19 public charitable organization: Faith-based organization providing social services to the broader community; Tribal organization including housing authorities; Local government. More information and the application can be found here.
  1. AK CARES Grant Program Oversubscribed: In August, the state expanded this grant program which made grants of $5,000 to $100,000 to eligible businesses and non-profits. Businesses and non-profits that received LESS THAN $5,000 in PPP/EIDL funds were made eligible to apply. Both 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 nonprofits were made eligible to apply. Commercial fishermen were made eligible to apply. The program was expanded further. Notably, the Governor’s proposed changes to the AK CARES Act were approved, eliminating the $5,000 limit on PPP/EIDL funds and allowing businesses/individuals with a secondary income to apply. 501(c)3, 501(c)6 and 501(c)19 nonprofits that received ANY amount of PPP/EIDL funding were eligible to apply. No double-dipping allowed. The application webpage changed to AK Cares Online (was previously available at Credit Union 1).

The AK CARES program has been oversubscribed, meaning more funds have been requested than are available. If remaining AK CARES grant funds are available after all applications received between June 1st and September 15th have been processed, they will reopen the online application portal with advance notice to the public.See program website for more info.

  1. SBA EIDL Loans Still Open: This federal program for small businesses/nonprofits still remains open for application. “To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance Program portalto all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.” Although the EIDL Loan application is still open, the EIDL Advance application is no longer available.
  1. $50 Million for Fishermen/Processors/Etc.: The state is still working on the eligibility criteria for distribution of the $50 million that the state received for fishermen, processors, charter fishermen, and aquaculture businesses. An additional $1 million was received for Alaska tribes. NOAA has approved the first four states for this AK CARES fisheries assistance funding (California is in line for $18 million, Massachusetts’ allocation is $28 million, Oregon’s $15.9 million and $1.5 million for South Carolina). The Alaska spend plan is intended to be finalized and posted for public comment by the end of September. Public comment will last for 2-3 weeks. Funds will be distributed through Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), with applications planned to be made available by the end of November. This program will not follow the December 30, 2020 expenditure deadline common to many CARES programs and it is expected that funds will need to be spent on eligible expenses by sometime near the end of 2021. See below websites for more information:
  1. Seafood Trade Relief Program: If you are a U.S. fisherman impacted by retaliatory tariffs, you may qualify for funding through the Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP). For the first time in history, fishermen are getting relief from USDA for trade impacts similar to relief given to farmers. Fishermen will need to show 2019 landings which USDA will apply to a pre-determined formula (i.e. $0.16 per pound for 2019 salmon landings). See USDA website for a complete list of species and rates. Some restrictions apply: 1) a person or legal entity cannot receive more than $250,000 from the program; 2) an applicant’s average adjusted gross income (AGI) cannot exceed $900,000 unless at least 75 percent of the AGI of the person or entity comes from farming, ranching, forestry, seafood harvesting, or related activities. Applications are available from Sep 14 – Dec 14 on the USDA website and must be submitted through your local USDA Service Center. The USDA has announced this is NOT a first-come-first-served situation. The monies awarded were already calculated to cover all permit holders and fisheries.

More information is available in the Notice of Funds Availability, published on September 14, 2020. Although there is no indication this fund will be exhausted before the December 14th deadline, there has been a lot of interest and you are encouraged to apply as soon as you can.

Additional Resources:

  1. DCCED Resource Portal for Businesses
  1. Alaska Chamber: The Alaska Chamber has many resources related to the various economic programs available to businesses, including Q&A webinars.

HEALTH SAFETY

  1. FISHERMEN – Health Mandate 17: See this health mandate for most updated version from the state (last updated on May 27, 2020). See UFA Letter to the Fleet and webinar for more information.
  1. SEAFOOD PROCESSORS – Review of Protective Plans: The state is developing a “play book” with lessons learned and best practices known to date.
  1. Recent Outbreaks & Community Spread: See the state’s latest COVID-19 data in Alaska here. View detailed data at the DHSS Coronavirus Response Data Hub here.
  1. Helpful Industry Websites withCOVIDInfo:

Coastal communities and the seafood industry are in this together, and working together is how we will keep everyone safe and keep businesses open.

Update as of August 21, 2020

Important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

ECONOMIC RELIEF

  1. Alaska community’s economic relief programs: The following communities have announced grant/loan programs of their own that some fishing industry businesses may be eligible for. However, this is not an exhaustive list. You should check with your local community for programs that may benefit you or your business:
  • JUNEAU – Juneau has both loans and grants available under phase 1 – phase 2 is under development but unsure what it looks like and if you would have had to participate in phase 1 or not. The grant requires a business license, AFDF has asked but not received a response if a CFEC permit will work as per AK statute which does not require a commercial fishermen to have a business license in the State.
  • WRANGELL – The City of Wrangell initiated a Small Business Emergency Grant which requires a business license and sales tax documentations, but for fishermen it allows them to submit copies of their 2020 CFEC card and a copy of a 2019 fish ticket. Deadline for applications is September 15, 2020 or until funds are used up. Also available is a program that gives a 50% reduction in the cost to haul a vessel for repairs in the Marine Service Center.
  • KETCHIKAN – There are four different grants available in Ketchikan; it appears that two of the grants required a 40% decline in revenue for the 2nd qtr of the year based on sales tax returns.
  1. Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) $35M in CARES funds for nonprofits: ACF and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) have completed the first round of Coronavirus Nonprofit Relief Fund (CNRF) grant awards. Grant funds are from Alaska’s share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are to be distributed to eligible nonprofit and faith-based organizations to aid in their continued efforts to combat the adverse effects of COVID-19 in Alaska. The total grantmaking allocation for this program is $35 million, with $18 million available in the first round (was due July 29), up to $12 million in the second round (due August 26) and the remaining balance in the third round (due October 14). Organization’s grant awards through this program will range from $25,000 to $1,000,000. Eligible organizations are as follows:
  • 501(c)3 public charitable organization with 509(a)1, 509(a)2, or 509(a)3 public charitable status;
  • 501(c)19 public charitable organization: Faith-based organization providing social services to the broader community;
  • Tribal organization including housing authorities;
  • Local government.

More information and the application can be found here. AK Business article on the first round funding can be found here.

  1. Expansion of AK CARES Grant Program: Earlier in August, the state expanded this grant program which makes grants of $5,000 to $100,000 to eligible businesses and non-profits. Businesses and non-profits that received LESS THAN $5,000 in PPP/EIDL funds were made eligible to apply. Both 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 nonprofits were made eligible to apply. Commercial fishermen were made eligible to apply. Under the new guidelines, a business that has not secured funding or taken receipt of the funds from this program or for eligible expenses will qualify. No double-dipping is allowed. The application webpage has changed to Alaska Cares Online (was previously available at Credit Union 1). This grant program is first come first serve. The changes are in place, however, check back to this website for more information. Also, see these FAQs. See the UFA update here. Please see:

Today, Governor Mike Dunleavy notified the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee that he is submitting modifications to the AK CARES Grant Program to expand the eligibility for applicants. The expanded program details, delivered by the established Revised Programs Legislative (RPL) Review Process, was sent alongside other routine business for the committees’ consideration in response to mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Currently, applicants for AK CARES Grant funding are restricted from applying if they received more than $5,000 in other federal assistance or if the business is a source of secondary income. The original intent of AK CARES, to provide support for those Alaska businesses that did not receive substantial assistance either through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Small Business Administration relief (EIDL) efforts. Based on the total of applications received to date, the State has determined that there will be capacity remaining in the grant program after the original pool of applicants have been funded. RPL# 08-2021-0184 concerns administration of federal CARES funds for small business relief through an AK CARES program administered by DCCED. It is similar to RPL# 08-2020-0251, previously approved on May 11, 2020, but with less restrictive criteria permitting more effective relief to small businesses. See link to the letter and RPL attachments.

  1. SBA EIDL Loans/Advances Still Open: This federal program for small businesses/nonprofits still remains open for application. “To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance Program portalto all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.” If your business or non-profit has not applied yet, you are likely qualified to receive an advance (which does not need to be repaid) of $1,000 per employee, up to a total of $10,000, in addition to other potential loan options.
  2. $50 Million for Fishermen/Processors/Etc.: The state is still working on the eligibility criteria for distribution of the $50 million that the state received for fishermen, processors, charter fishermen, and aquaculture businesses. An additional $1 million was received for Alaska tribes. The goal is to have this fisheries assistance funding finalized for distribution by the end of 2020 and an application period will be set once NOAA approves the state’s spending plan. NOAA has approved the first four states for this AK CARES fisheries assistance funding (California is in line for $18 million, Massachusetts’ allocation is $28 million, Oregon’s $15.9 million and $1.5 million for South Carolina). The following three links are the most current info to date:
  1. DCCED Resource Portal for Businesses
  2. AK CARES Can Do Program: In partnership with the Rasmuson Foundation and the United Way of Alaska, ACF’s goal for the AK Can Do COVID-19 Response grant opportunity is to support nonprofit organizations who have been financially impacted by the novel coronavirus and resulting COVID-19 pandemic, especially those who have funding gaps that remain as a result of low or no funding awarded through the CARES Act and other foundation funding sources. Applications will be accepted until September 9th for requests of $5,000-20,000.
  3. Alaska Chamber: The Alaska Chamber has many resources related to the various economic programs available to businesses, including Q&A webinars.

HEALTH SAFETY

  1. FISHERMEN – Health Mandate 17: See here for most updated version from the state (last updated on May 27, 2020).
  2. SEAFOOD PROCESSORS – Review of Protective Plans: The state is developing a “play book” with lessons learned and best practices known to date.
  3. Recent Outbreaks & Community Spread: See the state’s latest COVID-19 data in Alaska here. View detailed data at the DHSS Coronavirus Response Data Hub here.
  4. Helpful Industry Websites with COVID Info:

Coastal communities and the seafood industry are in this together and working together is how we will keep everyone safe and keep businesses open.

Update as of August 5, 2020

Important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

ECONOMIC RELIEF

Expansion of AK CARES Grant Program: The state has expanded this grant program which makes grants of $5,000 to $100,000 to eligible businesses and non-profits. This expansion will be applied to the program on Thursday, August 6th. Businesses and non-profits that received LESS THAN $5,000 in PPP/EIDL funds will be eligible to apply. Both 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 non-profits will be eligible to apply. Commercial fishermen will be eligible to apply. Under the new guidelines, a business that has not secured funding or taken receipt of the funds will qualify. No double-dipping is allowed.

The application webpage is changing to Alaska Cares beginning Thursday, Aug 6th (it currently is available at Credit Union 1). Please see update from United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) and AK CARES factsheets (Most Commonly Missed Items & Informational Sheet and Checklist) which include modifications to and eligibility requirements for the AK CARES grant program. This grant program is first come first serve.

Coastal communities and the seafood industry are in this together and working together is how we will keep everyone safe and keep businesses open.

Update as of July 25, 2020

Important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

ECONOMIC RELIEF

NOTE: the economic relief programs at the federal and state level continue to change (extensions, eligibility, total funds, etc.). Please continue to review programs for more details if you previously did not qualify. Additionally, communities are starting to roll out their set of economic relief programs from the CARES Act funds distributed to communities. Fishermen and processors may qualify for some of those programs as well.

  1. NEW – Alaska communities begin economic relief programs: The following communities have announced grant/loan programs of their own that some fishing industry businesses may be eligible for. However, this is not an exhaustive list. You should check with your local community for programs that may benefit you or your business.
  • JUNEAU – JEDC – Juneau has both loans and grants available under phase 1 – phase 2 is under development but unsure what it looks like and if you would have had to participate in phase 1 or not. The grant requires a business license, I have asked but not received a response if a CFEC permit will work as per AK statute which does not require a commercial fishermen to have a business license in the State.
  • SITKA – CARES ACT Funding Utility and Moorage Relief Program applications are now available. You can find applications online at here by clicking the link at the top of the page. Applications received after the deadline of 4:00 on FRIDAY JULY 31st, 2020 will be considered late and will not be accepted. Utility subsidy inquiries or questions can be directed to the Accounting Clerk at (907)747-1859; Moorage subsidy inquiries or questions can be directed to the Harbor office at (907)747-3439.
  • WRANGELL – The City of Wrangell initiated a Small Business Emergency Grant which requires a business license and sales tax documentations, but for fishermen it allows them to submit copies of their 2020 CFEC card and a copy of a 2019 fish ticket. Deadline for applications is September 15, 2020 or until funds are used up. Also available is a program that gives a 50% reduction in the cost to haul a vessel for repairs in the Marine Service Center. Wrangell CARES COVID-19 Relief Programs.
  • KETCHIKAN – there are four different grants; it appeared that two of the grants required a 40% decline in revenue for the 2nd quarter of the year based on sales tax returns. Cares Act Funding/Covid-19 Support Programs.
  1. Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) announces $35M in CARES funds for non-profits.
  2. Expansion of AK CARES Grant Program: On July 14th, the Alaska House Labor & Commerce Committee held a hearing with the Dept. of Commerce and others. During which, Commissioner Anderson described that the court ruling regarding the injunction on this program was favorable to the state. The state reiterated that it will be expanding this grant program which makes grants of $5,000 to $100,000 to eligible businesses and non-profits. Businesses and non-profits that received LESS THAN $5,000 in PPP/EIDL funds will be eligible to apply, including CFEC permit holders. Additionally, both 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 non-profits will be eligible to apply. Under the new guidelines, a business that has not secured funding or taken receipt of the funds will qualify. No double-dipping is allowed. The changes are anticipated to be in place soon, so keep checking back to this website for more information. Also, see these FAQs. Credit Union 1 will be processing the applications and distributing the funds.
  3. NEW– Webinar – How to apply for the Alaska CARES Grant (sponsored by City and Borough of Wrangell) – note – this webinar has detailed information regarding eligible expenses for fishermen, which is not included in the current instructions at Credit Union 1.
  4. PPP extended and now includes 1099-MISC payments – DEADLINE TO APPLY – AUGUST 8: The US House and Senate passed legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) this week. Fishermen must apply through a bank for a PPP loan (which can be converted to a grant, if the requirements are met. It is highly recommended that you work with a bank with which you already have a financial relationship. Banks are still awaiting approval to start accepting applications again. PPP was changed so fishermen who report “Fishing Boat Proceeds” in Box 5 on Form 1099-MISC can now participate. Previously, fishermen were not able to include 1099 payments in their payroll calculations, making them eligible for loan amounts that are far lower than what their business may require to operate through the pandemic.
  5. SBA EIDL Loans/Advances Still: This federal program for small businesses/non-profits still remains open for application. “To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance Program portalto all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.” If your business or non-profit has not applied yet, you are likely qualified to receive an advance (which does not need to be repaid) of $1,000 per employee, up to a total of $10,000, in addition to other potential loan options.
  6. $50 Million for Fishermen/Processors/Etc.: The state is still working on the eligibility criteria for distribution of the $50 million that the state received for fishermen, processors, charter fishermen, and aquaculture businesses. An additional $1 million was received for Alaska tribes. The following three links are the most current info to date:
  1. Alaska Chamber: The Alaska Chamber has many resources related to the various economic programs available to businesses, including Q&A webinars.

HEALTH SAFETY

  1. FISHERMEN – Health Mandate 17: Alaska’s Unified Command reported this week that Health Mandate 17 is expected to be updated and revised, given new information available to the state. However, these revisions are not completed yet.
  2. SEAFOOD PROCESSORS – Review of Protective Plans: Alaska’s Unified Command reported this week that the desk-top review of the protective plans is completed, and the next stage of review with calling each processing company to discuss the results of the desk-top review. The state is also developing a “play book” with lessons learned and best practices known to date.
  3. SEAFOOD PROCESSORS – Recent Outbreaks & Community Spread: Alaska’s Unified Command reported this week that Public Health is continuing to investigate and conduct contact tracing for four recent outbreaks (F/V American Triumph, Alaska Glacier Seafoods in Juneau, OBI in Seward, and Copper River Seafoods in Anchorage). Our understanding is that the AGS situation was traced back to initial infection of a local worker from the community, and the other two plants also have local workers. Community spread of the virus looks to be the industry’s current challenge.
  4. Helpful Industry Websites with COVID Info:

ARTICLES

Coastal communities and the seafood industry are in this together and working together is how we will keep everyone safe and keep businesses open.

Update as of July 3, 2020

Important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

ECONOMIC RELIEF

NOTE: the economic relief programs at the federal and state level continue to change (extensions, eligibility, total funds, etc.). Please continue to review programs for more details if you previously did not qualify. Additionally, communities are starting to roll out their set of economic relief programs from the CARES Act funds distributed to communities. Fishermen and processors may qualify for some of those programs as well.

  1. NEW – PPP extended and now includes1099-MISC payments – deadline to apply August 8: The US House and Senate passed legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) this week. Fishermen must apply through a bank for a PPP loan (which can be converted to a grant, if the requirements are met. It is highly recommended that you work with a bank with which you already have a financial relationship. Banks are still awaiting approval to start accepting applications again. The new deadline is August 8.

Additionally, last week, PPP was changed so fishermen who report “Fishing Boat Proceeds” in Box 5 on Form 1099-MISC can now participate. Treasury is planning to issue a Temporary Final Rule to amend its implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program ‘eligible payroll cost’ calculation to include “Fishing Boat Proceeds,” which are reported in Box 5 on Form 1099-MISC. This change will allow fishermen to use the payments they make to crewmembers in their calculation of “average monthly payroll” for the purposes of calculating the loan amount they are eligible to borrow. Previously, fishermen were not able to include 1099 payments in their payroll calculations, making them eligible for loan amounts that are far lower than what their business may require to operate through the pandemic. We will provide additional details from Treasury as soon as we know how they plan to address “double-dipping,” i.e. making sure a crewmember has not already applied for their own PPP loan using their 1099 income.

  1. NEW – Expansion of AK CARES Grant Program: On June 17th, the Alaska Dept. of Commerce announced that it will be expanding this grant program which makes grants of $5,000 to $100,000 to eligible businesses and non-profits. Businesses and non-profits that received LESS THAN $5,000 in PPP/EIDL funds will soon be eligible to apply. Additionally, both 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 non-profits will be eligible to apply. The Alaska Legislature is also considering additional changes to allow more eligible entities. The House Labor & Commerce Committee heard testimony this week from dozens of Alaska fishermen requesting the requirements for eligibility be expanded to allow a commercial fishing permit issued through CFEC to qualify in place of a business license. The changes are anticipated to be in place soon, so keep checking back to this website for more information. Also, see these FAQs. Credit Union 1 will be processing the applications and distributing the funds. Additional changes may be coming in the future to expand eligibility, as Credit Union 1 has only received approximately $85 M in applications to date, and the total funds available is $290 M, and the state has a deadline by which to distribute the funds, or they need to return the funds to the federal gov.
  2. SBA EIDL Program Re-Opened: On June 15th, this program was re-opened. “To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance Program portalto all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.” If your business or non-profit has not applied yet, you are likely qualified to receive an advance (which does not need to be repaid) of $1,000 per employee, up to a total of $10,000, in addition to other potential loan options.
  3. $50 Million for Fishermen/Processors/Etc.: The state is still working on the eligibility criteria for distribution of the $50 million that the state received for fishermen, processors, charter fishermen, and aquaculture businesses. An additional $1 million was received for Alaska tribes. The following three links are the most current info to date:
  1. Alaska Chamber: The Alaska Chamber has many resources related to the various economic programs available to businesses, including Q&A webinars.

HEALTH SAFETY

  1. FISHERMEN – Health Mandate 17: A member of Alaska’s Unified Command reported yesterday that Health Mandate 17 is expected to be updated and revised, given new information available to the state. However, these revisions are not expected to be completed for approximately two weeks.
  2. SEAFOOD PROCESSORS – Review of Protective Plans: A member of Alaska’s Unified Command reported yesterday that the desk-top review of the protective plans is almost completed. The next stage of review will be conducted by calling each processing company to discuss the results of the desk-top review. As you know, the State of Alaska revised Health Mandate 10, to include Appendix 1 – Enhanced Protective Measures for Seafood Processing Workers, which strengthens the 14-day mandatory quarantine under three options for processors.
  3. UFA Message to the Fleet: UFA, with support from PSPA, has created this flyer that can be posted on social media, or printed and posted in communities and onboard vessels. UFA also has 1,000 copies printed and laminated. Contact UFA if you would like them mailed to you for distribution.
  4. Helpful Industry Websites with COVID Info:

Coastal communities and the seafood industry are in this together and working together is how we will keep everyone safe and keep businesses open.

Update as of June 25, 2020

Important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

ECONOMIC RELIEF

NOTE: the economic relief programs at the federal and state level continue to change (extensions, eligibility, total funds, etc.). Please continue to review programs for more details if you previously did not qualify. Additionally, communities are starting to roll out their set of economic relief programs from the CARES Act funds distributed to communities. Fishermen and processors may qualify for some of those programs as well.

  1. NEW – PPP to change to include 1099-MISC payments – deadline to apply still June 30th: From an email from Senator Lisa Murkowski’s office:

Senator Murkowski has been working really hard to get Treasury to amend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so fishermen who report “Fishing Boat Proceeds” in Box 5 on Form 1099-MISC can participate. My colleague, Ann Robertson, expects Treasury to make this critical change very soon – today or tomorrow. Can you please spread the word among lenders in Alaska because the deadline for applying for PPP is still June 30! The details:

  • Treasury is planning to issue a Temporary Final Rule to amend its implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program ‘eligible payroll cost’ calculation to include “Fishing Boat Proceeds,” which are reported in Box 5 on Form 1099-MISC.
  • This change will allow fishermen to use the payments they make to crewmembers in their calculation of “average monthly payroll” for the purposes of calculating the loan amount they are eligible to borrow.
  • Previously, fishermen were not able to include 1099 payments in their payroll calculations, making them eligible for loan amounts that are far lower than what their business may require to operate through the pandemic.
  • We will provide additional details from Treasury as soon as we know how they plan to address “double-dipping,” i.e. making sure a crewmember has not already applied for their own PPP loan using their 1099 income.
  • The most critical part – the deadline to apply for PPP is still June 30, so fishermen only have a short window to take advantage of this change. We are requesting that lenders be prepared and accommodating to make sure fishermen who wish to apply for PPP under this new rule are able to do so. We are happy to assist with any obstacles the lenders encounter in helping fishermen obtain these resources.

Businesses must work through a bank to apply for a PPP loan (which can be converted to a grant, if the requirements are met). Here is a list of participating banks. It is highly recommended that you work with a bank with which you already have a financial relationship.

  1. NEW – Expansion of AK CARES Grant Program: On June 17th, the Alaska Dept. of Commerce announced that it will be expanding this grant program which makes grants of $5,000 to $100,000 to eligible businesses and non-profits. Businesses and non-profits that received LESS THAN $5,000 in PPP/EIDL funds will soon be eligible to apply. Additionally, both 501(c)3 and 501(c)6 non-profits will be eligible to apply. The changes are anticipated to be in place approximately July 1st, so keep checking back to this website for more information. Also, see these FAQs. Credit Union 1 will be processing the applications and distributing the funds.
  2. SBA EIDL Program Re-Opened: On June 15th, this program was re-opened. “To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance Program portalto all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.” If your business or non-profit has not applied yet, you are likely qualified to receive an advance (which does not need to be repaid) of $1,000 per employee, up to a total of $10,000, in addition to other potential loan options.
  3. $50 Million for Fishermen/Processors/Etc.: The state is still working on the eligibility criteria for distribution of the $50 million that the state received for fishermen, processors, charter fishermen, and aquaculture businesses. An additional $1 million was received for Alaska tribes. The following three links are the most current info to date:
  1. Alaska Chamber: The Alaska Chamber has many resources related to the various economic programs available to businesses, including Q&A webinars.

HEALTH SAFETY

  1. FISHERMEN – Health Mandate 17: A member of Alaska’s Unified Command reported yesterday that Health Mandate 17 is expected to be updated and revised, given new information available to the state. However, these revisions are not expected to be completed for approximately two weeks.
  2. SEAFOOD PROCESSORS – Review of Protective Plans: A member of Alaska’s Unified Command reported yesterday that the desk-top review of the protective plans is almost completed. The next stage of review will be conducted by calling each processing company to discuss the results of the desk-top review. The last stage could be a site visit to plants. As you know, the State of Alaska revised Health Mandate 10, to include Appendix 1 – Enhanced Protective Measures for Seafood Processing Workers, which strengthens the 14-day mandatory quarantine under three options for processors.
  3. UFA Message to the Fleet: UFA, with support from PSPA, has created this flyer that can be posted on social media, or printed and posted in communities and onboard vessels. UFA also has 1,000 copies printed and laminated. Contact UFA if you would like them mailed to you for distribution.
  4. Helpful Industry Websites with COVID Info:

Coastal communities and the seafood industry are in this together and working together is how we will keep everyone safe and keep businesses open.

Update as of May 25, 2020

Important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

ECONOMICS

  1. NEW – AK CARES Grants to Businesses and Non-Profits: The State of Alaska anticipates opening a new grant program for both businesses and non-profits, on or after May 26th. More info can be found here about who is eligible to apply. Also, see this draft FAQs.
  2. Guidance on PPP: SBA has an Interim Final Rulemaking on loan forgiveness for the SBA PPP loan program. This goes along with the Loan Forgiveness Application released previously.
  3. Looking for Crew in Alaska? The Alaska Dept. of Labor’s Seafood Employment Office at the Anchorage Midtown Job Center can help you. See information sheet. Or call 907-269-4746, or email.

HEALTH SAFETY

  1. NEW – UFA webinar – Understanding Health Mandate 17: UFA will be hosting a free webinar for commercial fishermen on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. The purpose of this webinar is to explain updates to Health Mandates 10 & 17 and to take some questions. Panelist include: Tom Koloski – Alaska Unified Command, Critical Infrastructure Branch; Jason Wiard – Environmental Health Officer from Division of Environmental Conservation DEH-Food Safety & Sanitation; Charles Pelton – Alaska Unified Command, Medical Services Branch, Public Health Group; John Moller – Commercial Fisheries Policy Advisor, Governor Dunleavy. Registration is mandatory and can be done here.
  2. Health Mandate 10 – Appendix 1 – Enhanced Protective Measures for Seafood Processing Workers: The State of Alaska revised Health Mandate 10, to include Appendix 1 – Enhanced Protective Measures for Seafood Processing Workers, which strengthens the 14-day mandatory quarantine. Also, the 14-day mandatory quarantine for people traveling to Alaska in Mandate 10 was extended through June 2nd and will be revisited then. Read the revised Mandate 10 here.
  3. NEW – Health Mandate 17 – Appendix 3 – New Guidance for Set Netters & Skiffs: This new appendix 3 establishes new guidance for commercial fishing operations working from shore or in open skiffs or other means in which crew are not overnighting on the vessel.
  4. Health Mandate 17 – Appendix 2 – Revised: The State of Alaska revised Appendix 2 – Acknowledgement Form, which is required to be signed by fishermen, provided to seafood processors prior to selling fish, and copies carried onboard all fishing vessels this year. Please be sure to print and sign the updated version of this form.
  5. Helpful Industry Websites with COVID Info:

Please remember, it is our industry’s responsibility to protect our workforce and the communities in which we work. Coastal communities are struggling with hard decisions about how to protect their residents and we need to all work together to demonstrate our industry’s willingness and ability to keep everyone safe.

Update as of May 18, 2020

Important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

HEALTH SAFETY

  1. Health Mandate 10 – Appendix 1 – Enhanced Protective Measures for Seafood Processing Workers: The State of Alaska revised Health Mandate 10 on May 15th, to include Appendix 1 – Enhanced Protective Measures for Seafood Processing Workers, which strengthens the 14-day mandatory quarantine. Also, the 14-day mandatory quarantine for people traveling to Alaska in Mandate 10 was extended from May 19 through June 2nd. Read the revised Mandate 10 here.
  2. Health Mandate 17 – Appendix 2 – Revised: The State of Alaska revised Appendix 2 – Acknowledgement Form, which is required to be signed by fishermen, provided to seafood processors prior to selling fish, and copies carried onboard all fishing vessels this year. Please be sure to print and sign the updated version of this form.
  3. Flyer from UFA/PSPA – MESSSAGE TO THE FLEET: Feel free to broadly distribute this flyer, created by a partnership between UFA and PSPA. UFA will also be printing 1,000 hard copies for posting in communities, harbors, vessels, etc. You can contact UFA if you would like a hard copy.
  4. How to Purchase PPE: The Alaska Manufacturer’s Extension Partnership (MEP)is connecting companies manufacturing PPE in Alaska to companies needing to purchase PPE in Alaska. See flyer for more information.
  5. Helpful Industry Websites with COVID Info:

ECONOMICS

  1. PPP loans still available: As of May 15th, $100 billion is still available in the PPP loan program. In this video, Senator Dan Sullivan explains a bit about the criteria that allows businesses to have the loan forgiven.
  2. Looking for Crew in Alaska? The Alaska Dept. of Labor’s Seafood Employment Office at the Anchorage Midtown Job Center can help you. See information sheet. Or call 907-269-4746, or email.
  3. Governor Dunleavy’s 6-Point Plan: Governor Dunleavy created the Alaska Economic Stabilization Team (AEST) and appointed previous Governor Parnell and Senator Begich to lead the group. Documents and recommendations from the AEST are posted here, and Governor Dunleavy’s 6-Point Plan can be read here.

Please remember, it is our industry’s responsibility to protect our workforce and the communities in which we work. Coastal communities are struggling with hard decisions about how to protect their residents and we need to all work together to demonstrate our industry’s willingness and ability to keep everyone safe.

Update as of May 7, 2020

More important recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

HEALTH SAFETY

  1. Health Mandate 10 – To Be Revised for Seafood Processors: The State of Alaska has signaled that it will be revising this mandate to strengthen the quarantine requirements for seafood processing workers. Specifically, being discussed are several options for implementing 2-3 required tests during the 14-day mandatory quarantine for incoming seafood processing workers from out-of-state. Additionally, workers will not be allowed to work during quarantine, unless they have a job which can include social distancing at all times. Details are likely to also take on a regional approach. The state committed to furthering discussions in regional working groups, prior to issuing the final revisions. Regional discussions are happening in PWS today, Bristol Bay on Friday, the Aleutians on Tuesday, and Southeast on next Thursday. Stay tuned for more.
  2. “This is not business as usual”: UFA President, Matt Alward, writes a letter to the commercial fishing fleet.
  3. UFA webinar with state clarifications on Health Mandate 17: watch the recorded webinar which summarizes and answers fishermen’s questions related to Health Mandate 17, Appendix 1 – Alaska Protective Plan for Commercial Fishing Vessels, and Appendix 2 – Acknowledgement Form; also keep checking for updates to Mandate 17, which we will also email out through this list; the state anticipates making small changes to both documents.
  4. National Fisherman webinar with Dr. Ann Jarris: watch the recorded webinar with Dr. Ann Jarris of Discovery Health MD and also access additional materials and info related to safe vessel procedures.
  5. Info Packet for Fishing Vessel Owners: Useful information related to health mandates compiled and provided by Ocean Strategies and the Under 60 Cod Harvesters.
  6. How to Purchase PPE: The Alaska Manufacturer’s Extension Partnership (MEP)is connecting companies manufacturing PPE in Alaska to companies needing to purchase PPE in Alaska. Also, see flyer here for more info.
  7. ARTICLE: Seafood processing worker is Cordova’s first positive coronavirus case.
  8. Helpful Industry Websites with COVID Info:

ECONOMICS

  1. Commerce Secretary announces allocation of $300 million CARES Act funding for fisheries: The short summary is that Alaska will receive $50 million, plus $1 million for Alaska Tribes. The US Dept. of Commerce will send the funds to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), which will in turn work with the state and Tribes on a spending plan.
  2. Looking for Crew in Alaska? The Alaska Dept. of Labor’s Seafood Employment Office at the Anchorage Midtown Job Center can help you. See information sheet here. Or call 907-269-4746, or email.
  3. Recommendations from the Alaska Economic Stabilization Team & Governor’s 6-Point Plan.
  4. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program opened back up for agriculture/aquaculture – see news release. I HIGHLY SUGGEST any business involved in aquaculture in Alaska submit an application for the $10,000 advance payment. You should receive $1,000 per employee, up to $10,000, deposited directly to your bank account which will be forgiven (turned into a grant) even if you do not take any other additional loan through this program.
  5. Survey reveals challenges to mariculture industry: Alaska Sea Grant recently surveyed the Alaska mariculture industry to shed light on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and response on their businesses in February and March. Survey respondents reported that revenue was down, with 43 percent reporting losses of more than half of their revenue. More than a third had laid off employees. See the full story here.
  6. Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness & Economic Growth: Today, the White House announced signature by the President of an Executive Order on “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth”. This has been in development for the last couple of years, and as such addresses certain challenges that pre-date COVID-19. To be clear, this is not specifically intended to address COVID-10 impacts, but it may provide policy support in other ways to help some sectors of our industry. See announcement from NOAA here. To summarize the EO:
  • Easing regulatory burden: Directs the Councils to work with the Secretary of Commerce to recommend actions to reduce federal burdens and restrictions on domestic fishing. This is not limited to fisheries management plans, but could include other restrictions related to MPAs, monuments, protected species, competing uses, etc. Any recommended changes must be consistent with existing law.
  • Combatting IUU: Directs NOAA to issue proposed rulemaking further implementing the UN FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate IUU fishing. Key agencies shall collaborate to encourage partnerships on maritime domain awareness, cooperate on at-sea transshipments, and law enforcement; they shall also prioritize training and technical assistance to combat IUU fishing.
  • Aquaculture: Directs interagency efforts to cooperate on streamlining processes and propose a potential national aquaculture permit for public comment (consistent with existing law), addressing finfish, seaweed, and multi-species. The Secretary of Commerce would lead an effort to identify aquaculture opportunity areas, in coordination with state and tribal governments. The National Aquaculture Development Plan and the National Aquatic Animal Health Plan will also be reviewed and potentially updated.
  • Seafood Trade: To promote fair and reciprocal trade, within 30 days there shall be a 12-member Interagency Seafood Trade Task Force, co-chaired by Commerce and USTR. Within 90 days, the Task Force shall provide recommendations to USTR on ways to improve access to foreign markets and resolve technical barriers. Within 90 days after that, the USTR shall submit to the President a comprehensive seafood trade strategy.

Please remember, it is our industry’s responsibility to protect our workforce and the communities in which we work. Coastal communities are struggling with hard decisions about how to protect their residents and we need to all work together to demonstrate our industry’s willingness and ability to keep everyone safe.

Update as of April 23, 2020

More important and recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

  1. Health Mandate 17: Today, the State of Alaska issued Health Mandate 17 – Protective Measures for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels. The mandate is comprised of two parts:
  1. National Fishermen Webinar Materials: In case you missed the webinar hosted by National Fisherman, Developing Vessel Procedures and Performing Symptomatic Crew Assessment in the Midst of COVID-19, below are the post-webinar materials:
  1. UFA Webinar – Understanding Health Mandate 17 – Protective Measures for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels: UFA will host this webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 10am AST. The purpose of the webinar is to explain Mandate 17 and answer questions from participants. Panelists will include: Tom Koloski (Alaska United Command), Jason Wiard (Environmental Health Officer, DEC), Charles Pelton (Alaska Unified Command), and John Moller (Commercial Fisheries Policy Advisor, Governor Dunleavy). You must register prior to the webinar. See the UFA update email to register.
  2. Looking to hire deckhands from Alaska? The Alaska Dept. of Labor can help! See email for more info (thanks to UFA!)


Update as of April 21, 2020

More important and recent COVID-19 information to help you navigate this pandemic.

  1. Free Webinar hosted by National Fisherman, Wed., April 22nd at 7am AST – Developing Vessel Procedures and Performing Symptomatic Crew Assessment in the Midst of COVID-19: National Fisherman held a free webinar to help commercial fishermen with the management of COVID-19 on their vessels. COVID-19 has and will continue to reshape the way entire industries function, and commercial fishing is no different. Dr. Ann Jarris and the Discovery Health MD Team has put together a COVID-19 Vessels Procedures and Flowchart for Assessing Symptomatic Crew document to help commercial fishing captains and companies develop protocols for dealing with COVID-19 on vessels and with their crew. While it is not intended as a standard of care or as an industry standard, it can be a resource to help captains and crews determine how to best move forward. Join Ann Jarris, MD, MBA, FACEP as she explains how this resource can help crews work through these challenging and rapidly developing issues. Live audience questions were answered toward the end of the event and a Q&A page will be made available. View recording here.
  2. Vessel Health Mandate: The state will issue a vessel mandate this week. It is 12 pages long and includes an Acknowledgement Form for signature. We will post the final version once released.
  3. NEW – State of Alaska website for COVID-19.
  4. NEW – ASMI website for Food Safety & COVID-19.
  5. NEW – AFDF website for COVID-19 Updates.
  6. NEW – UFA website for COVID-19 Info.
  7. ARTICLE – Commercial fishing industry in free fall as restaurants close.
  8. ARTICLE – As Alaska fishing season set to begin, fearful communities and seafood industry try to prevent spread of coronavirus.
  9. NFI COVID Sitrep #25 – email from National Fisheries Institute (NFI) with additional info, resources and tools for the seafood industry which is updated regularly.

Please remember, it is our industry’s responsibility to protect our workforce and the communities in which we work. Coastal communities are struggling with hard decisions about how to protect their residents and we need to all work together to demonstrate our industry’s willingness and ability to keep everyone safe.

Update as of April 13, 2020

AFDF is providing a sampling of the most important recent COVID-19 information to help you and the Alaska seafood industry navigate this pandemic. Please see below.

  1. Amendments to Health Mandate 10: The Alaska Essential Services and Critical Workforce Infrastructure Order (formerly Attachment A to Health Mandate 10) was amended on Friday. It has yet to be posted on the new consolidated state website here.
  2. Amendments to Health Mandate 12: The Alaska Small Community Emergency Travel Order (Attachment B to Health Mandate 012) was amended Thursday night. There are several key issues addressed in this revision: a) The definition of “Hub Hospital” was clarified in Paragraph I; b) Fisheries Industry personnel were added to the list of persons which the Small Communities cannot ban from entry in Paragraph II.b.v.; Paragraph II.d. lists several measures that Small Communities may enact for fishermen, plant workers and fisheries companies. Bottom line for our Commercial Fishermen: The Small Communities cannot keep your workers out. Bottom line for our Small Communities: You may enact a number of additional protective measures which commercial fishermen and plant workers must follow.
  3. Vessel Health Mandate – coming soon: The state will be issuing a vessel mandate this week for independent fishing vessels. The state is taking one final round of input from communities and industry before finalizing. The last draft I saw is 4 pages long, with Dr. Jarris’s full guidelines as an attachment, and will require an affidavit to be signed by the vessel owner. Stay tuned for the issuance of this mandate later this week.
  4. Instructions for Creation of Protective Plans: The state now has posted guidance and CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS for companies that are required to submit a protective plan to the state. This is extremely helpful for anyone who submitted a plan under the previous 24-hour turn-around deadline, or for anyone who still needs to create and submit a plan. The state is currently working through plans that have already been submitted and will either accept them or require changes to make them compliant with these instructions. Afterward, the plans will be forwarded to the communities in which the company will be working.
  5. Progress with Testing & Screening: We received positive news about a collaboration between UW and other medical professional to provide testing as an additional screening tool to the seafood industry (see link to article below). The fishing industry needs to have access to PCR testing in May and June for workers traveling to Alaska. They should be prioritized, because it is a large group of people from a geographically diverse area that will be working in close contact in remote areas with few medical facilities. The Alaska fishing industry is critical for the US food supply, public health as Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of a healthy diet, and a large contributor to the economy.

REMEMBER – testing will NOT replace the 2-week quarantine. The 2-week quarantine is still the best tool we have to prevent the introduction and spread of disease, and testing is another screening tool, but this is no way relaxes any guidance on the mandatory 2-week quarantine. Next, medical professionals will be designing a testing and screening strategy that ideally incorporates PCR and serology tests twice during the quarantine period. More information here.

  1. NEW – State of Alaska website for COVID-19
  2. UFA website for COVID-19 Info
  3. NFI COVID Sitrep #19 – email from National Fisheries Institute (NFI) with additional info, resources and tools for the seafood industry which is updated regularly.

Please remember, it is our industry’s responsibility to protect our workforce and the communities in which we work. Coastal communities are struggling with hard decisions about how to protect their residents and we need to all work together to demonstrate our industry’s willingness and ability to keep everyone safe.

Update as of April 8, 2020

AFDF is providing a sampling of the most important recent COVID-19 information to help you and the Alaska seafood industry navigate this pandemic. Please see below.

  1. Catcher & Tender Vessel Procedures: Dr. Ann Jarvis of Discovery Health MD worked with fishing industry representatives on a comprehensive procedures manual for catcher and tender vessels. This manual is being distributed to industry, communities, and the Alaska’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC is considering developing a baseline version of this manual which is mandated by the state for all vessels. Stay tuned for more information about this potential new state mandate about vessels. Here is a set of checklists that are intended to accompany this manual.
  2. Alaska Manufacturers to Produce PPE: The University of Alaska’s Manufacturing Extension Project (MEP) is working with manufacturers in Alaska who are interested in converting their production capacity to make personal protective equipment (PPE) for use in Alaska. MEP staff is helping to coordinate companies who need PPE and companies who can supply it. Samantha Lewis and Alyssa Rodrigues are the points of contact. Pass this information to your procurement departments and contact MEP if you have PPE needs. Also, feel free to pass this information on to others in the seafood industry or at the local level (healthcare clinics or municipalities).
  3. Alaska Small Community Requirements: In Health Mandate 12, which restricts intrastate travel to critical workforce or critical personal needs, the Governor also gave the authority to communities that meet the “Small Community” criteria to make additional health mandates/restrictions (see Attachment B). Since this time, the cities of Cordova, Craig (Harbor Quarantine Policy), and Wrangell have either adopted additional restrictions/requirements, or are considering them. Remember to check with ports prior to arrival about port-specific requirements or restrictions related to COVID-19.
  4. UFA website & resources:United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) has created a section on its website with important updates and information.
  5. Alaska Small Business Development Center:Visit this website for information about the Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 Disaster Assistance Loans, and an overview of the CARES Act, and links to the Payment Protection Program (PPP) which provides loans to small businesses for up to $10 million to cover payroll and other operating expenses. Up to 8 weeks of payroll and some other operating expenses may be forgiven if small businesses were harmed between Feb. 15 and June 30, 2020.
  6. Cloth Face Coverings: The state adopted Health Alert 10, Cloth Face Coverings, and the EOC specifically alerted the seafood industry of the following: “While the State of Alaska is developing further guidance regarding face masks, please direct all of your crewmembers and plant workers in transit via passenger air (chartered or commercial) to wear a cloth face covering. This face covering should be worn while transiting air terminals (to be temporarily removed for security screening), while on the plane, and any follow-on ground transportation until they reach their self-quarantine facility (bunkhouse, vessel or private lodging). This guidance is not a State Mandate yet, but air carriers may deny individuals from boarding without a face covering, and local authorities may not allow disembarking passengers to transit the community without one.
  7. Alaska’s Congressional Delegation Speaks to UFA: Listen to the audio recording of a question and answer session with the UFA Board of Directors and Senators Murkowski and Sullivan and Congressman Young.
  8. Alaska COVID relief – SB 241: In the final version of this bill (SB 241), the Alaska Legislature did NOT include $1,000 to each resident who qualified for a 2019 PFD. You can read the bill and attachments here.
  9. Alaska Health Mandates and Health Alerts: This is the main webpage for the State of Alaska’s health mandates and alerts. Any new information will be posted here.
  10. Crew Training Video: This is a well-executed video, shot on a vessel: Coronavirus: How to Beat it. This is a good tool for crew training. And its free!
  11. NFI COVID Sitrep #16: attached email from National Fisheries Institute (NFI) with additional info, resources and tools for the seafood industry which is updated regularly.

Please remember, it is our industry’s responsibility to protect our workforce and the communities in which we work. Coastal communities are struggling with hard decisions about how to protect their residents and we need to all work together to demonstrate our industry’s willingness and ability to keep everyone safe, or there will be pressure to restrict or shut down our industry, as we are already seeing in Bristol Bay. If anyone in our industry acts irresponsibly, it will negatively affect our entire industry.

Please also support the organizations that help support your companies both in times of crisis and every day of the year.

Update as of March 27, 2020

AFDF is providing a sampling of the most important recent COVID-19 information to help you and the Alaska seafood industry navigate this pandemic. Please see below.

Please remember, it is our industry’s responsibility to protect our workforce and the communities in which we live and work. Coastal communities are struggling with hard decisions about how to protect their residents and we need to all work together to demonstrate our industry’s willingness and ability to keep everyone safe, or there will be pressure to restrict or shut down our industry. If anyone in our industry acts irresponsibly, it will negatively affect our entire industry.

  1. UFA email & resources: This is an excellent summary of much of the important information from this week.
  2. COVID-19 Pandemic Action Plan – Under Sixty Cod Harvesters: Brett Veerhusen allowed AFDF to share the attached template plan that his organization completed on behalf of the Under 60 Cod Harvesters, with the caveat that it may not be perfect and it may need to be changed. Thanks for sharing, Brett! This might give smaller vessels and associations an idea of what might work for them. Additionally, Dr. Ann Jarvis of DiscoveryHealthMD.com is working on a procedures manual for small vessels that should be available next week.
  3. Online training Video: This is a well-executed video, shot on a vessel: Coronavirus: How to Beat it. After you preview the video, they give you the option of getting a copy if you reach out to Seagull Maritime (a maritime training company based in Norway) by providing all your contact information. If you request it, you will get a reply from Videotel (sister company) and have to answer a few questions, but will also get an official link and permission to download the video for unlimited usage for vessel deckhand training (or any other use). This is a good tool for crew training. And its free!
  4. SBA loans: Disaster assistance low-interest loans to address COVID-19 impacts for businesses up to 500 employees, up to $2 million per business, with relaxed collateral requirements (yes, fishing and seafood processing qualify). Apply only online here. Here is a PowerPoint with more information. IMPORTANT: this is the first round of SBA loans to go out to small businesses and they are encouraging everyone to apply ASAP. I believe SBA only has about $7 billion available for these loans and their intention is to approve them and send funds electronically as quickly as possible. A second round of loans will be issued under the $2 trillion CARES Act that is still working its way through Congress. See more info about that in #5 below.
  5. CARES Act: $2 trillion disaster assistance package – this will include the $300 million for the fishing industry, $1,200 per person checks, plus additional loans through SBA. This second round of SBA loans includes a provision to forgive “up to 8 weeks of payroll, rent, utilities and mortgage interest payments”, as the funds are intended to keep people working as much as possible. For more detail on all of the different provisions, see attachment “Coronavirus Supplemental Appropriations Summary – FINAL”. IMPORTANT: this package has not fully passed Congress yet, so it may change somewhat.
  6. Alaska COVID relief: The Alaska Legislature is currently working on a bill to provide resources for relief. Besides providing $1,000 to each resident who qualified for a 2019 PFD, we do not yet know what will be in the package, but we should know more next week. The Legislature is expected to recess this weekend but passed a resolution which allows to call themselves back into session prior to May 1st to complete additional work if needed.
  7. NFI COVID Sitrep #6: Attached email from National Fisheries Institute (NFI) with additional info, resources and tools for the seafood industry which is updated daily.

Please remember to support the organizations that help support your companies both in times of crisis and every day of the year.

Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation Logo.

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