Federal officials have approved a disaster declaration clearing the way for assistance for the fishing industry hurt by Sandy in New Jersey and New York.

Fishing Boats
Fishing boats in New Jersey (Flickr User David James Ovens)
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The declaration allows Congress to provide emergency funds. It's not yet clear what kind of financial assistance will be available.

Sandy damaged or destroyed vessels, ports, facilities and equipment. It also left coastal areas severely damaged or inaccessible.

Water-quality issues also caused the closure of shellfish beds in New Jersey for weeks.

 

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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