Fishing-related business operators who can prove Sandy-related losses of at least $5,000 are eligible for grants of up to $10,000 to help them rebuild.

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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is distributing the allocation from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as part of a federal fishery disaster declaration.

Typically eligible are bait shops, commercial fishermen, party and charter boat operators, marinas, supply shops and shell-fishing and aquaculture interests, according to information from the office of DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.

The application process is the result of consultation with recreational and commercial fishing leaders, Martin said.
"We have worked closely with both groups to develop an online application system and make the process as easy as possible for them," Martin said in a prepared release. "The program will focus on helping small businesses, which are the backbone of our state's fishing industry."

DEP characterizes New Jersey's commercial fishing industry as one of the largest on the East Coast, claiming about  175 million pounds of catch that results in more than $1,000,000,000 in revenue in 2012. The industry reportedly accounts for about 10,000 jobs and annual sales totalling $1,740,000,000.

Bait-and-tackle shopkeepers, commercial dealers, commercial fishermen, for-hire boat operators, marinas and aquaculture or shellfish managers have from October 1 through 31 to send an Expression of Interest pre-application on line. It's accessible starting October 1 at the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife web page.

Admissible losses include lost or damaged fishing gear, ruined merchandise, equipment or infrastructure replacement or repair, and revenue lost in the months following the storm.

Grants will be given for losses reflecting an unmet need for repairs or replacements, officials said. Successful applicants will be notified by e-mail to send more documents in order to complete the application.

Grant administrators can be e-mailed at FisheriesDisasterAid@dep.nj.gov

By phone, grant administrators can be reached by category: commercial fishermen and shellfish/aquaculture, 609-292-1057; commercial fishermen and commercial dealers, 609-292-1055; bait and tackle and marinas, 609-292-9942; bait and tackle and for-hire, 609-984-0232.

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