Zero-Interest Disaster Relief Loans Available for Maryland Commercial Oyster Harvesters
Maryland commercial oyster harvesters facing financial challenges may be eligible for new disaster relief loans through the Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund, administered by the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation, known as MARBIDCO.
The program was created to support oyster harvesters who have been affected by poor market conditions, bad weather, and environmental calamity. The Maryland General Assembly approved $2 million in the FY 2027 State Budget for this purpose, and MARBIDCO is temporarily providing an additional $1 million to increase the available lending pool.
Eligible applicants will receive the same loan amount, based on the total amount of available funding divided by the number of qualified applications received by the deadline. Loan amounts are capped at $10,000 per borrower. The loans carry a 0% interest rate and do not require collateral.
To qualify, applicants must be Maryland residents and hold a valid Tidal Fisheries License from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or a Potomac River Fisheries Commission Commercial License for oyster harvesting. Applicants must also have harvested oysters during the 2025–2026 season, paid all applicable oyster harvesting surcharges or fees between October 2025 and April 2026, and submitted all required oyster harvest reports.
Loan repayment begins February 1, 2027, with equal quarterly principal payments made over 10 quarters. Borrowers who make payments on time may qualify for loan forgiveness equal to the final two quarterly payments. However, borrowers who are more than 90 days late on a quarterly payment will lose the loan forgiveness opportunity and will owe the full remaining principal balance, along with any late fees and default interest.
Completed applications may be emailed to oysterloans@marbidco.org by close of business on June 12, 2026. Electronic submission is preferred. Applications may also be mailed, postmarked by June 8, 2026, to:
MARBIDCO
Oyster Relief Loans
1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21
Annapolis, Maryland 21403
Late applications may be considered only if funding remains available. No applications will be accepted after June 26, 2026.
For more information, visit www.marbidco.org, call 410-267-6807, or email oysterloans@marbidco.org.
