The Vista Pública de la Comisión de Agricultura meeting held on September 26, 2023, focused on the allocation and distribution of funds designated for fishermen in Puerto Rico. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the management of financial assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The discussion began with an overview of the $11.39 million allocated by NOAA, of which only $400,000—less than four percent—was directed as direct aid to fishermen by the Department of Natural Resources. This allocation process commenced in late 2020, following public pressure from advocacy groups. However, it was revealed that only 289 fishermen received assistance, representing a mere 36 percent of the estimated 800 eligible fishermen.

The organization Feddemar expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability in the fund distribution process, noting that they had to resort to legal action to obtain information regarding the use of these funds. They called for adjustments to the spending plan proposed by the Department of Natural Resources, emphasizing the need for clear and fair eligibility criteria for direct aid related to income loss.

Feddemar also reported that a request for a meeting with the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources was ignored, further complicating efforts to address the distribution issues. Despite these challenges, the organization welcomed the recent allocation of $7 million for fishermen but raised concerns about the confusion surrounding how these funds would be distributed.

The meeting concluded with a call for a reevaluation of eligibility criteria and the application process for direct aid to ensure that past failures are not repeated. The Department of Natural Resources recently published eligibility criteria and application forms on their website, indicating a step towards improving the distribution process. The commission's investigation aims to enhance oversight and optimize the allocation of NOAA funds for the benefit of Puerto Rico's fishing community.