June 18, 2026 3:20 a.m. 

On Wednesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the allocation of $123.6 million in fishery disaster relief funding after more than 18 months of delay.

A release said the announcement follows Congresswoman Val Hoyle’s  June 3rd questioning of NOAA’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere during a House Natural Resources Committee hearing.

Hoyle said, “This is a win for our fisheries, our communities, and the families of workers who depend on fishing for their livelihoods”. Hoyle said, “Make no mistake: the delay in releasing these funds was devastating to our communities. Relief in these situations must be delivered quickly and comprehensively”. Hoyle said, “Whatever administrative loophole, bureaucratic red tape, or staffing reduction caused this delay in the first place must be examined to ensure it never happens again”.

The funding includes $2.4 million for the 2023 Oregon Ocean Commercial Salmon Fisheries disaster. The release said the State of Oregon will now be able to develop a spend plan and distribute funds to impacted fishermen and seafood businesses.