DeSantis requests disaster declaration to help Big Bend’s fishing industry rebuild from Idalia
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis requested a federal fisheries disaster declaration to help the fishing industry in the Big Bend area rebuild after Hurricane Idalia.
The governor requested the U.S. Secretary of Commerce issue a federal fisheries disaster declaration under a “rapid assessment.”
DeSantis sent his request in a letter and said the commercial and residential fishing communities of the Big Bend region were “greatly affected” by the hurricane.
This disaster declaration would provide access to federal funding, subject to appropriation, that would allow offshore, nearshore and inshore fisheries to rebuild, according to the governor’s office.
Idalia made landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm last Wednesday in Keaton Beach.
“The Big Bend’s fishing industry took a direct hit from Hurricane Idalia, and as a result, so did the many residents who make their livings on the water here,” DeSantis said.
The governor said in his letter that Florida’s Big Bend is an “important cornerstone” of the state’s fishery. He said the region includes over 600 commercial fisherman, 160 fishery wholesalers and retailers, 240 aquaculture shellfish farmers, and 450 for-hire charter captains. Additionally, there are over 120 marinas providing commercial and recreational access to the Gulf.
“One of the most important keys to recovery is getting people back to work. I am calling on the federal government to help Floridians who depend on these fisheries get back on their feet,” the governor continued.
Idalia heavily impacted the fishing industry in the Big Bend area through loss of boat facilities, halting commercial and charter fishing and loss of product due to power outages. Additionally, tourism for fishing in the area will be impacted while the community rebuilds, according to the governor’s office.
“The fishing industry is an economic driver for this part of Florida and it is important that the people who are dependent on the success of the fisheries are able to access federal funding to keep their businesses going,” Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said.
According to the governor’s office, the financial assistance from this disaster declaration would help replace fishermen’s lost income and rebuild their businesses and infrastructure.
“Providing people the resources they need to get back on their feet and back to work is the best way to support long-term recovery in the Big Bend region following Hurricane Idalia,” Kelly said.
DeSantis’ office said Florida leads the nation in the number of saltwater fishing anglers, generating a $9.2 billion impact on Florida’s economy. Additionally, the dockside value of commercial fisheries is estimated at $244 million.
DeSantis requested a similar federal fisheries disaster declaration in October 2022, following Hurricane Ian. Nearly one year later, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce has not approved the governor’s request.
“The Governor will continue to fight for Florida’s fishing industry and urges the federal government to approve the fisheries disaster declarations for both Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia,” DeSantis’ office said.
