Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP)

If you are a U.S. fisherman impacted by retaliatory tariffs, you may qualify for funding through the Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP).

The STRP is part of a relief strategy to support fishermen and other producers while the administration continues to work on free, fair and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets to help American farmers compete globally.

The STRP is not a first-come, first-served program. STRP provides all qualified applicants with relief for 2019 landings of eligible seafood. Payment rates for the program were determined by looking at the average domestic landings reported by all commercial fishing operations in the U.S. for 2019 and comparing it to 2017 landings. From that we determined payment rates per pound for eligible seafood commodities. Those payment rates reflect the estimated severity of the impact of trade disruptions to U.S. seafood caught and sold commercially, and the adjustment to new trade patterns for the types of seafood products. The total amount of estimated damage was used to determine how much funding would be needed. Payments are limited to $250,000 for all seafood commodities combined per person or legal entity. In addition, an applicant’s average adjusted gross income (AGI) cannot exceed $900,000 unless at least 75 percent of the AGI of the person or entity comes from farming, ranching, forestry, seafood harvesting, or related activities.

The program provides direct support to U.S. commercial fishermen who have a valid federal or state license or permit to catch seafood who bring their catch to shore and sell or transfer them to another party. That other party must be a legally permitted or licensed seafood dealer. Alternatively, the catch can be processed at sea and sold by the same legally permitted entity that harvested or processed the seafood.

Products grown in a controlled environment are not eligible for the program except for geoducks and salmon.

The STRP is not a first-come, first-served program. STRP provides all qualified applicants with relief for 2019 landings of eligible seafood. Payment rates for the program were determined by looking at the average domestic landings reported by all commercial fishing operations in the U.S. for 2019 and comparing it to 2017 landings. From that we determined payment rates per pound for eligible seafood commodities. Those payment rates reflect the estimated severity of the impact of trade disruptions to U.S. seafood caught and sold commercially, and the adjustment to new trade patterns for the types of seafood products. The total amount of estimated damage was used to determine how much funding would be needed. Payments are limited to $250,000 for all seafood commodities combined per person or legal entity. In addition, an applicant’s average adjusted gross income (AGI) cannot exceed $900,000 unless at least 75 percent of the AGI of the person or entity comes from farming, ranching, forestry, seafood harvesting, or related activities.

To apply, reach out to your local USDA service center.

• STRP Fact Sheet

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• STRP Frequently Asked Questions