SEATTLE (AP) — People who fish professionally are now able to count their crew as part of their employee payroll to qualify for federal loans intended to help businesses during the pandemic.

The federal rule change was published Thursday after captains discovered crew members could not be included in the federal relief program.

Fishers have been contending with poor markets as restaurants closed to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The Paycheck Protection Program loans may be forgiven if certain conditions are met.