Maryland Commercial Oyster Harvester Disaster Relief Loans
Through its Maryland Seafood Industry Financial Assistance Fund, MARBIDCO is offering zero-interest disaster relief loans to help commercial oyster harvesters struggling financially due to poor market conditions, bad weather, and environmental calamities.
MARBIDCO is reopening the Commercial Oyster Harvester Disaster Relief Loan Application.
The deadline to apply is August 7, 2026.
Please see the change in eligibility requirements, specifically, to be eligible: DNR and PRFC must have received all harvest reports in their office by close of business on July 10, 2026 (reports received after this date, regardless of postmark, do not meet the eligibility requirement), in addition to other requirements listed below.
Overview
This fund allows MARBIDCO to offer zero-interest loans to eligible Maryland commercial oyster harvesters to cover personal and business expenses related to oyster harvesting. All borrowers will receive the same loan amount, up to a ceiling of $10,000.
Eligibility
Must be a Maryland resident and hold a valid Tidal Fisheries License (TFL) from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or hold a Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) Commercial License for oyster harvesting.
Must have harvested oysters during the 2025-2026 season, as demonstrated on harvest reports.
Not have previously been approved for a Commercial Oyster Harvester Disaster Relief Loan.
Must have paid all applicable surcharges or fees to harvest oysters between October 2025 and April 2026
DNR and PRFC must have received all harvest reports in their office by close of business on July 10, 2026. Reports received after this date, regardless of postmark, do not meet the eligibility requirement.
Loan Terms and Conditions
Loan amount: $10,000
Interest rate charged: 0.00%
No collateral security is required (but see loan delinquency information below)
Repayment begins February 1, 2027.
Equal quarterly principal payments over 10 quarters.
Loan Forgiveness
A dollar amount equivalent to the final two quarterly payments will be forgiven for good repayment performance. This means that if a borrower makes the first 80% of the required loan repayments ON TIME, the remaining 20% will not be due.
Borrowers who are more than 90 days late making their quarterly payments will lose their eligibility for loan forgiveness and will owe the entire balance due, plus any late fees and default interest. No exceptions.
Loan Delinquency
MARBIDCO will notify DNR if a borrower who holds a TFL is more than 90 days late making his or her quarterly payment.
Once notified, DNR may not approve a transfer of the TFL or authorization until MARBIDCO notifies DNR that the borrower has become compliant.
Application Deadlines and Submission
Applications submitted electronically are due August 7, 2026, or postmarked by that date. Applications received after that date will not be accepted.
Applications will be processed in the order received, while funds are available.
Electronic applications are preferred.
Electronic submission is preferred to oysterloans@marbidco.org by close of day onAugust 7, 2026.
Applications that are mailed must be postmarked no later than August 7, 2026, to be considered on time:
MARBIDCO, Oyster Relief Loans, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, Maryland 21403
Questions or for an Application call or email:
📞 410-267-6807
📧 oysterloans@marbidco.org
Photo by Sightlines Aerial Photography
Maryland Commercial Oyster Harvester Disaster Relief Loan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this loan program?
This zero-interest loan program is designed to provide disaster relief to eligible Maryland commercial oyster harvesters, covering personal and business expenses.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are considered until August 7, 2026.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you miss the deadline, please contact our office to determine whether funds are still available or whether late applications can be considered.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is outlined in the application materials and in the description to the left.
Can current MARBIDCO borrowers apply for this loan?
Yes, current borrowers may apply, subject to the loan program guidelines and approval requirements.
How much loan funding can I receive?
Eligible applicants will receive a loan amount not to exceed $10,000.
When will I know if I am awarded funding?
It is anticipated that this process will take several days to a few weeks to complete, so please be patient. MARBIDCO is aiming to notify all eligible applicants by August 30, 2026, or shortly thereafter.
When do loan repayments begin?
Repayment terms will be outlined in your loan agreement. Payments begin on February 1, 2027, followed by an additional nine quarterly payments, with the possibility of some loan forgiveness for good performance. (See below.)
Is some loan forgiveness available for good performance?
Yes, MARBIDCO will forgive a dollar amount equal to the final two quarterly loan payments, subject to good repayment performance. However, borrowers who are more than 90 days late on their regular quarterly payments will lose their eligibility for loan forgiveness and will owe the entire balance due, plus any accrued late fees and default interest.
What happens if I can’t make my loan payments on time?
Please contact the MARBIDCO Office sooner rather than later if you are having trouble making your loan payment as scheduled. As stated above, if a loan payment is more than 90 days late, a borrower will lose their eligibility for the loan forgiveness for good performance. In addition, MARBIDCO is required to notify DNR of this development. Once DNR is notified, DNR may not approve a transfer of the Tidal Fish License (TFL) or a related authorization until MARBIDCO notifies DNR that the borrower has become current on his or her loan payments.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please contact the MARBIDCO Office directly for assistance with your application or any program-related questions by phone at 410-267-6807 or by email at oysterloans@marbidco.org.