On September 26, 2023, the Senate Agriculture Commission convened to address critical issues surrounding the distribution of federal funds intended for the recovery of Puerto Rico's fishing sector following the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the management and accessibility of these funds, particularly a $400,000 allocation meant for direct assistance to commercial fishermen.

A key point of contention was the exclusive electronic access to the application process for these funds, which many in the fishing community found challenging due to the ongoing digital divide. Stakeholders emphasized the need for paper applications and trained personnel to assist applicants in regional offices. They called for transparency in the process, urging the Department of Natural Resources (DRNA) to maintain clear records of applications, statuses, and disbursements to avoid past issues where the community was left in the dark about the status of aid.

The meeting also revealed that, as of March 2024, the DRNA had only disbursed approximately $1.03 million of the $11.4 million allocated for recovery efforts. This raised alarms about the department's efficiency and accountability, especially since only a fraction of the funds intended for direct aid had reached the fishermen. The representatives from the Federation of Fishermen and Defenders of the Sea expressed frustration over the lack of communication and the slow pace of fund distribution, which they attributed to bureaucratic hurdles and inadequate responses from the DRNA.

In response to these challenges, the commission urged the DRNA to adopt the recommendations presented by stakeholders, which included revising eligibility criteria and improving the application process. The urgency of these discussions was underscored by the looming deadlines for fund utilization, with a significant portion of the allocated money at risk of being returned if not spent by the stipulated deadlines.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commission to advocate for the fishing community, ensuring that their voices are heard and that the necessary changes are implemented to facilitate access to the much-needed recovery funds. The ongoing dialogue between the commission and the DRNA is expected to continue, with hopes for a more effective and transparent process moving forward.