A fishery disaster refers to a commercial fishery failure, a catastrophic regional fishery disaster, significant harm incurred, or a serious disruption affecting future production due to a fishery resource disaster arising from natural, undetermined or, in certain circumstances, man-made causes.
Disaster determinations are made by the Secretary of Commerce through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), which also administers assistance if funds are provided by Congress. Generally, disaster assistance is requested by states, through the Governor, to NOAA. If approved, funding is provided to the State to distribute to affected parties.