(AP) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said earlier this week that Maine will receive about $17.1 million to help its seafood industry.

The seafood industry in Maine and around the country has suffered losses due to problems caused by the pandemic such as the disruption of the restaurant market. The state also received more than $20 million to help the industry last year.

The funding is designed to help businesses such as commercial fishing enterprises, aquaculture operations and seafood processors.

“Our priority is to award these funds as quickly as possible using existing processes established under the CARES Act,” said Paul Doremus, acting assistant administrator for the National Marine Fisheries Service.