Aug. 28--Relief is on the way for the region's commercial fishermen.

The state has begun disbursing some $13.4 million in federal aid to the struggling industry.

The bulk of the funds -- $11.3 million -- will go to commercial fishing permit holders whose businesses suffered in the wake of government-imposed groundfishing restrictions.

The state also plans to provide $750,000 to individual fishermen and to contribute $650,000 toward health-insurance benefits for fishermen and their families.

"This aid will provide much-needed financial breathing room while groundfish stocks recover," Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) said in a statement.

Kerry is one of several legislative leaders who worked to lessen the financial impact after the federal government imposed fishing limits in order to give certain species time to rebuild their populations.

Groundfish include traditional New England fish such as cod, haddock and flounder.

State officials have said that the region's economy would lose $22 million as a result of the restrictions. They asked the federal government to declare the state a fishery resource disaster zone. After the federal government denied that request, state officials secured the relief funding.

Some commercial fishing permit holders may receive subsidies of up to $10,000 to keep them in business until the limits are lifted.

cmcconville@bostonherald.com

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