In this Wednesday, March 25, 2020, photo a fishing boat unloads its catch including just two greysole at the Portland Fish Exchange in Portland, Maine. The Fish Exchange usually moves 60,000 pounds per week but has seen numbers drop by a third since the coronavirus outbreak.
Members of the U.S. seafood industry are calling on the Trump administration and Congress to help them weather the uncertain time. But for now, the market for big-money items such as scallops and lobster is “pretty much nonexistent,” said Bert Jongerden, general manager of the Portland Fish Exchange, a Maine auction house.
Shelter-in-place rules and closures have kept customers out of restaurants, where seafood typically fetches high prices. The worldwide shipping industry has also slowed considerably, in part because major markets like China, Italy and Spain have been hit especially hard. The turmoil has prompted industry associations and companies with a stake in seafood, ranging from commodity giants like Cargill to local businesses, to ask the federal government for assistance. A coalition of organizations, including the National Fisheries Institute and National Aquaculture Association, sent a letter to the Trump administration in late March.
An aid package approved March 27 included $300 million to boost the industry. The stimulus package set aside the money for fishermen, fishing communities, processors and others who have suffered economic harm due to the virus. That could include direct payments. “If we can get people playing with seafood at home again, it’s super good for our fishermen, it’s super good for our economy,” he said.
I volunteer to help with the seafood. I’m a bit strapped for cash though.
No mention of the fishing industry in Alaska. We're processing fish here everyday here in Kodiak and Dutch Harbor is busy also.
Is anyone else familiar with the wolf and rabbit population diagram? This is kind of similar except its the earth and humans. Many civilizations have crumbled in the past.
Good. Let the oceans, lakes, rivers replenish during this time!
Never diplomatic, 4eva offensive, a bully,no tact& boastful,Trump antgonized China 4solong+was dismissive about virus&now we need Chinese supplies😷 can't get em.Cvirus called Trump's bluff.we pay price4his wreckless playing chicken Now vote him out!🇺🇸♥️🇺🇸
The whole planet can heal without humans for a few years.
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Source: WSJ - 🏆 98. / 63 Read more »