BBEDC has expanded its vessel upgrade assistance program to include deck and fish hold improvements in addition to hold insulation, and increased to $10,000 the maximum grant amount available to resident fishers. Previously the grant was limited to $5,500 and could only be used for hold insulation.
The change is part of BBEDC's continuing effort to increase the fishing income of resident fishers by encouraging chilling and better handling of salmon.
Although the grants are a one time opportunity for resident fishers, those who received a previous grant of up to $5,500 can still apply for the balance for future vessel upgrades -- up to a total of $10,000 -- by meeting all the requirements of the vessel improvement grant program.
Skipper Marion Burgraff of King Salmon insulated the holds of his salmon gillnetter Lauren K with help from BBEDC.
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BBEDC vessel upgrade grants can now be used for fish hold and deck improvements. Flush decks such as the one pictured below are seen by some fish companies, including BBEDC partner Ocean Beauty Seagoods, as contributing to better fish quality.
In addition to verified residency in one of BBEDC's 17 CDQ communities, applicants must present documented proof of ownership of the vessel they intend to upgrade, and either own a CFEC limited entry permit or demonstrate a contractual relationship with a CFEC permit holder with whom they intend to fish.
In addition, applicants must provide a detailed description of their boat and the work to be done that includes before and after photos, a materials list, work schedule and cost estimate. Grantees can do the work themselves or contract the work to a third party.
No BBEDC funds will be paid out until after the job is complete, and vessel owners should not begin the upgrade work with any expectation of funding until they have received a signed vessel upgrade contract from BBEDC.
It is particularly important for vessel owners planning to do the work themelves that all expenses be documented.
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Boat owners interested in applying for a vessel upgrade grant should begin by verifying that their BBEDC community residency is current, completing a Vessel Upgrade Application and providing vessel ownership and permit requirement documents. A detailed check list is provided below.
Fishing Vessel Upgrade Grant Requirements
(These documents and materials need to be provided to BBEDC in
order to apply for a vessel upgrade quality improvement grant)
- Verified residency in a BBEDC community. Download A Residency Affidavit.
- A completed Vessel Upgrade Application
- Proof of Vessel Ownership.
- Proof of Ownership of a Bristol Bay Limited Entry Salmon Permit or a
contract with a Bristol Bay salmon permit holder.
- A detailed description of the vessel and work to be done complete with a material list, cost estimate and time frame for completion. Work plan must describe how
the project will contribute to improved fish quality.
- Photographs of the vessel before the work has begun.
| No BBEDC funds will be paid out for vessel upgrades until after the job is complete, and vessel owners should not begin the upgrade work with any expectation of funding until they have received a signed vessel upgrade contract from BBEDC. |
Work must be completed within one year of receiving a contract signed by BBEDC's Regional Fisheries Coordinator.
In order to receive payment, all invoices for materials and labor must be presented to BBEDC along with photographs of the completed project.
For more information contact your BBEDC community liaison, or BBEDC Regional Fisheries Coordinator Fritz Johnson by email (fritz@bbedc.com) or by phone at 842-6407 or 1-866-796-6407.
Download a Vessel Upgrade Application
Download A Residency Affidavit
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