Rep. Huffman Applauds Gov. Brown’s Disaster Declaration over Dungeness Crab Season Delay

February 09, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) applauded Governor Jerry Brown’s formal request to the U.S. Department of Commerce for a federal declaration of a fishery disaster. 

“California Dungeness crab fishermen have been dealt a significant economic hardship by the continued closure of this valuable fishery, and I thank Governor Brown for his work to officially request a disaster declaration.” said Huffman. “With the continued closure of the Dungeness crab fishery, the economic case for a disaster declaration is clear. I have already reached out to Secretary Pritzker to request her most expeditious consideration of Governor Brown’s request and I will also be introducing legislation soon with Congresswoman Jackie Speier to make federal funds available for disaster relief to affected fishermen and businesses on the North Coast.”

The Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations joined Congressman Huffman in thanking Governor Brown for his actions.

“I want to thank the Governor for acting on the request of our state and federal legislators in declaring a fisheries disaster, and we hope the Secretary of Commerce will follow suit,” said Dave Bitts, president of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. “We hope that Congress will see fit to find some money for not just fishermen but everybody who has been financially affected by this unprecedented disaster.”

Huffman led a Congressional letter on Nov 24, 2015, to Governor Brown, urging him to seek a fishery disaster in the event of continued closures.

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