Seafood/Aquaculture Loans

Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Disaster Relief Loan Program

The new Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Disaster Relief Loan Program provides zero-interest loans of $10,000 to eligible shellfish aquaculture producers to help cover personal and business expenses associated with their oyster farming operations.

Opening on August 3, the deadline for Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Disaster Relief Loan applications is August 31, 2026.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants may receive a zero-interest loan of $10,000 while funding remains available.

To qualify, applicants must:

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Be a Maryland resident;

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Hold an active shellfish aquaculture lease and be in good standing with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) (including being current on reports and insurance), as verified by DNR.

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Not have previously received a $10,000 Commercial Oyster Harvester Disaster Relief Loan administered by MARBIDCO; and

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Apply as an individual borrower, as assistance is limited to one loan per person.

Loan Terms and Conditions

0.00%

Interest rate charged

February 1, 2027

Repayment begins

10 quarters

Equal quarterly principal payments

Collateral Security

No collateral security is required (but see loan delinquency information)

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 or early, 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 Tidal Fish License (TFL) is more than 90 days late making his or her quarterly loan 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 Submission

1

Complete application

Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2026.

2

Email Submission

Electronic submission is encouraged, and applications may be emailed to oysterloans@marbidco.org.

 

3

Mail Submission

‍Applications may also be mailed to:

‍MARBIDCO
Attn: Oyster Relief Loans
1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21
Annapolis, Maryland 21403

For additional information about the program, visit www.marbidco.org or contact MARBIDCO at 410-267-6807.

Maryland oyster farmers impacted by a difficult year marked by declining markets, adverse weather, and environmental disruptions can now apply for financial relief through a new disaster assistance loan program administered by MARBIDCO.