Schatz: Hawai‘i Receiving $4.3 Million To Protect Fresh Fish Supply, Support Local Food During Pandemic

HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive $4,337,445 in new federal funding to protect Hawai‘i’s fresh fish supply and help the local fishing industry survive the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“This new federal funding will help us maintain our supply of fresh ahi during this pandemic, ensuring Hawai‘i families will continue to have access to the locally sourced fish they rely on,” said Senator Schatz.  

The new federal funding to the State of Hawai‘i, which was established under the $300 billion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, can be used to help the state's fishing industry maintain cash flow, pay workers, and make up for lost revenue.

The coronavirus pandemic has hurt demand for seafood in Hawai‘i and across the country. In Hawai‘i, fisheries are only generating 40 percent of their usual revenue.

More information on federal support for Hawai‘i fisheries and fishers can be found on Senator Schatz’s online resource guide: schatz.senate.gov/coronavirus/fisheries-and-aquaculture.

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