FCC submits comments on National Standard 4, 8, & 9 guideline updates

The Fishing Communities Coalition has submitted detailed comments on the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update the guidelines for Magnuson-Stevens Act National Standard 4 (allocations), 8 (communities), and 9 (bycatch). The FCC’s comments continue our members’ leadership in ocean conservation from the small-scale fisheries perspective by focusing on Equity and Environmental Justice, integrating climate change into fishery management, and enhancing protections for fishing communities across the board. To read our comments, click here.

What are the National Standards?

‣The Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Fishery Management Act (MSA) outlines 10 National Standards, sometimes called our Fisheries Bill of Rights.

‣Each National Standard focuses on a fishery management principle like Bycatch, Scientific Data and Safety at Sea.

Why do these standards have guidelines?

‣Federal fishery managers enact, update and enforce fishery management policies. Our eight regional councils use the MSA and its National Standards to write fishery management plans and policy updates, which are submitted to NMFS leadership for review. The guidelines help council members write policy proposals that align with MSA and the priorities established by NMFS.

What are the goals of this potential update?

‣ Improve federal management of stocks, specifically to address:

‣Climate-related impacts on fisheries

‣Promoting Equity and Environmental Justice in fisheries

Why is NOAA proposing a guideline update?

‣Proposed changes to the guidelines provide an opportunity for fisheries and seafood stakeholders to offer feedback on how domestic fisheries are managed, and to ensure guidelines account for current challenges, like climate change, working waterfront infrastructure, and community-based access.

‣Guideline updates can help our fishery management councils react more efficiently and effectively to climatic effects on fisheries, including species shifting, habitat loss and degradation, and unprecedented and/or sudden changes in biomass. Effective response is critical to a consistent domestic seafood supply and food security, which affects any business or household that relies on fisheries, including fishermen, buyers, retailers and consumers.

‣This is a first step in a lengthy but critical process that will affect our fisheries and domestic seafood supply for years to come.

Should I give feedback? YES!

If you: Fish federally managed stocks

Work with fishermen

Buy, sell, distribute domestic seafood

Are a fishing community stakeholder

Your feedback can help strengthen working waterfronts and community-based fisheries nationwide. The deadline to submit comments is September 12th. To submit your own comments online, click here and then select “Comment”!

CONGRESS DIRECTS $1M TO YFDA IN FY23 SPENDING PACKAGE

For Immediate Release: December 23, 2022
Contact: Ben Martens, 207-619-1755; ben@mainecoastfishermen.org

FISHING COMMUNITIES COALITION APPLAUDS CONGRESS FOR FUNDING
YOUNG FISHERMEN’S DEVELOPMENT ACT

December 23, 2022 – The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) is thrilled that, for the first time since it was enacted, the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA) has received federal funding. Congress has directed $1,000,000 to fund YFDA in the recently passed $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The FCC thanks House and Senate champions and appropriators for making this victory possible.

 “This $1 million investment in the Young Fishermen’s Development Act is a great step toward supporting our young fishermen and strong American fisheries for the future,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of FCC-member, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association,

FCC members have seen an increase of ten years or more in the average commercial fishermen’s age over previous generations, and rural coastal communities have lost 30 percent of local permit holders. To address this ‘graying of the fleet’, FCC members worked with House and Senate members more than seven years ago to first develop the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA).

Modeled after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s successful Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program, YFDA is a workforce development grant program administered by NOAA Sea Grant aimed at providing both classroom and on-the-water training and education, as well as connect young and beginning fishermen with accomplished captains for mentorship.

“We’re grateful that these funds will be available to support the next generation of hard working commercial fishermen,” added Eric Brazer, Deputy Director of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance. “The future of American seafood is in good hands.” 

This funding will help future fishermen tackle the ever-increasing challenges facing commercial fishermen in the U.S. With our nation’s commercial fisheries generating more than $200 billion in sales and supporting 1.7 million jobs per year, the return on this federal investment will be enormous.

Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, stated, “With this funding, we can now give the next generation of Maine fishermen the tools they need to provide sustainable, delicious seafood to our communities for years to come. We greatly appreciate the leadership and support of Maine’s delegation on this issue.” 

While YFDA is a first-of-its-kind national program for commercial fishermen, it follows in the footsteps of numerous successful regional-level initiatives, many of which were spearheaded by FCC members.

Stephanie Sykes, one of many fishermen who traveled to Washington DC to advocate for YFDA, helped start a small pilot Fishermen Training Program for the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, a founding member of the FCC.

She is gratified to see the program begin to see the funding it deserves, particularly as the “buy local” movement continues to gain strength the demand for the catch of day-boat fishermen has increased. “There are many successful commercial fishing businesses on the water and there is a lot of opportunity and need for more in the future,” she said. “This funding is critical to the success of the Cape’s small-boat fleets and our coastal communities that rely on commercial fishing.”

The FCC thanks the House and Senate for recognizing the value and importance of America’s commercial fishermen in including this language in the final FY23 spending package. We are thrilled with this significant step forward to ensuring future generations of American fishermen not only survive in the face of current challenges facing the industry, but thrive.

Added Theresa Peterson, Fisheries Policy Director for the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, “Young fishermen throughout our Nation's fishing communities will benefit from workforce development programs designed to meet their unique needs. We're excited to see Congressional commitment to support the next generation of fishermen.”

House Committee Passes MSA Reauthorization Bill

For Immediate Release: October 3, 2022
Contact: Ben Martens, 207-619-1755; ben@mainecoastfishermen.org 

 FISHING COMMUNITIES COALGION APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF MSA REAUTHORIZATION BILL IN THE HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE 

Community Fishermen Praise Chairman Huffman for
Stakeholder-Driven Process, Aim to Continue Working Towards Consensus

Last week, the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) applauded the House Natural Resources Committee in passing H.R. 4690, the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2021. This sweeping bill—sponsored by Chairman Huffman (D-CA) and Congressman Case (D-HI)—reauthorizes the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The provisions and initiatives in the bill were developed after a thorough stakeholder-driven process, including a listening tour across U.S. fishery regions that tapped into the expertise and experience of fishermen, processors, and fishery managers to assess challenges, successes, and priorities of the MSA. 

 “As a united voice for community-based commercial fishermen, the Fishing Communities Coalition thanks the Chairman for strengthening our nation’s premier fishery management law to better support community-based fishermen while improving science, accountability, and climate resiliency, said Ben Martens, founding member of the FCC and Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. “We are confident that together, we can create national policies that deliver sustainable seafood to America, support healthier marine resources, and invest in the opportunity our fishing communities represent for this and future generations.”

In addition to supporting the underlying law and the process undertaken to craft the legislation reauthorizing it, the FCC strongly supports numerous initiatives within the bill, including measures to increase accountability and transparency and to support fishing communities. Additionally, the FCC has advocated for years on the needs to minimize bycatch and protect forage fish, and is pleased the bill includes some of the language promoted by the FCC since 2018. However, given the concerns expressed by other fishery stakeholders, it’s clear that the conversation on several provisions within the bill needs to continue. The FCC looks forward to working with all involved to find common understanding while still advancing strong and necessary conservation measures. 

According to John Pappalardo, Chief Executive Officer of Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, “Cape Cod’s small coastal communities play an out-sized role in our country’s success: the dayboat fishing businesses they support help feed a nation and are a constant reminder of the intrepid, entrepreneurial, dogged spirits this country was built on. Those essential businesses face unique and growing challenges. We are grateful Congressman Huffman knows and respects that our small-boat fisheries have such a big impact. He has worked to help address those challenges and strengthen the Magnuson-Stevens Act by incorporating initiatives to foster climate change resilience, improve science, and increase accountability.” Pappalardo added, “We particularly want to acknowledge the Congressman’s willingness to listen and learn from those who build their lives on the water, holding a listening tour of ports across the country and inviting me to comment at a reauthorization hearing on behalf of the Fishermen’s Alliance and the Fishing Communities Coalition. The knowledge and input of small-boat fishermen was addressed in the bill and after my testimony, a pivotal section protecting working waterfronts and local access was added.”

Originally enacted in 1976, the MSA is the primary federal law governing America’s fisheries and has proven helpful in the fight to prevent overfishing and rebuild badly depleted fish stocks through responsible science-based fisheries management. The FCC acknowledges the efforts put forward by Congressman Huffman, Chair of the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Congressman Case to continue this legacy, first started by the late Congressman Don Young of Alaska, former Dean of the House, and lead on the first MSA bill. Newly elected Representative Mary Peltola (D-AK) has quickly taken up the reins, securing a spot on the House Natural Resources Committee and getting to work quickly with Chairman Huffman on H.R. 4690.

According to Linda Behnken, Executive Director, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, “We are excited to see this MSA bill that highlights climate impacts, aims to strengthen working waterfronts, and commits to bycatch reductions. Congresswoman Peltola is carrying Mr. Young’s legacy forward and we applaud her work."

"Fishing-dependent communities throughout the nation are experiencing unprecedented change and increased vulnerability under changing ocean conditions,” said Marissa Wilson, Executive Director for the Alaska Marine Conservation Council. “An MSA bill which includes climate considerations in fisheries management is absolutely essential for food security."

After passing the House Natural Resources Committee with a vote of 21-18, the next step for the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2021 will be a vote on the House floor. The MSA was last reauthorized 16 years ago, in 2006. Commercial fishing and our oceans have changed drastically in that time, and our fishermen are facing unprecedented challenges in every U.S. coastal region. It is critical that as this bill moves forward, fishermen and their concerns are listened to and taken under sincere and serious consideration. The FCC looks forward to continuing working with Congress on further refining this bill and other fisheries management policies that protect fish stocks, fishermen, and fishing communities for future generations.

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The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) is an association of seven community-based, small-boat commercial fishing groups, representing more than 1,000 independent fishermen and business owners from Maine to Alaska, who share a commitment to the sustainable management of America’s fishery resources. The FCC was formed to strengthen and unify the individual voices of our member organizations. Together, we work to support thriving commercial fisheries in each of our local communities, while acting as strong stewards of the marine environments off our shores to ensure healthy oceans and productive fisheries for future generations of commercial fishermen.

SENATE CJS APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE SEEKS TO FULLY FUND THE YFDA FOR FY23

For Immediate Release: August 2, 2022

Contact: Ben Martens, 207-619-1755; ben@mainecoastfishermen.org

SENATE COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE SEEKS TO FULLY FUND THE YOUNG FISHERMEN’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR FY23

Last week the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) applauded the Senate Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee for allocating $2,000,000 in funding to the Young Fishermen’s Development Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The FCC thanks Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for their strong support within their roles on the Senate Appropriations Committee. We also thank Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) for leading the FY23 Senate request, along with fellow champions Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).

According to Ben Martens, Executive Director of FCC member Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, "A fully funded Young Fishermen's Development Program means that we can give the next generation of fishermen in places like Maine the tools they need to continue to feed our communities fresh, healthy, delicious seafood and keep our working waterfronts working."

The Young Fishermen’s Development Program is a top priority for the FCC, who first proposed the idea in 2015. Since its inception, the FCC has worked diligently alongside our congressional champions to build support for the program and its authorizing legislation, The Young Fishermen’s Development Act, which was enacted on January 5, 2021 (P.L. 116-289).

“We are thrilled to see the Young Fishermen’s Development Program fully funded in the Senate FY23 CJS budget and deeply appreciate the leadership of Alaska’s delegation on this issue,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, an FCC member. “Our young fishermen face ever growing challenges with a changing climate and a rapidly evolving industry. Fully funding this vital program will support their success.”

The Young Fishermen’s Development Program is a workforce development grant program to educate, train, and mentor young and beginning commercial fishermen. This program is a first-of-its-kind national program, following in the footsteps of numerous successful regional-level efforts, many of which were spearheaded by FCC member organizations.  

According to Eric Brazer, Deputy Director of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance, “The Gulf of Mexico is associated with some of the U.S.’s favorite seafood – from your Mississippi shrimp to your Florida grouper and snapper. We’ve worked hard to provide job security for our commercial fishing businesses and food security for our coastal communities, and we’re excited to see the Senate prioritize a path forward to support the next generation of commercial fishermen leaders.”

This news follows action last month by the House CJS Appropriations Subcommittee, which also included funding for the program in the FY23 CJS report. As Congress stands poised to break for August recess, the FCC looks forward to working with House and Senate champions and appropriators this fall to ensure this important, timely program is fully funded for FY23. Doing so will better ensure the U.S.’s economically, historically, and culturally important commercial fishing industry prospers for generations to come.

"This is the first of many important steps needed to ensure that upcoming generations can maintain direct access to the means of production in coastal food systems,” said Marissa Wilson, Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, an FCC member. “Small-boat harvest of wild fish is an important tradition with values richer than money. Investing in this lifeway is vital to the wellness of communities along and inland of the nation's 95,000 miles of coastline."

HOUSE DRAFT CJS REPORT FOR FY23 INCLUDES FUNDING FOR YOUNG FISHERMEN

For Immediate Release: June 27, 2022

Contact: Ben Martens, 207-619-1755; ben@mainecoastfishermen.org

 HOUSE COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE DIRECTS FUNDING TO THE YOUNG FISHERMEN’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN DRAFT FY23 REPORT

Today, the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) applauded House appropriators for directing $1,000,000 in funding to the Young Fishermen’s Development Grant Program in the draft Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies (CJS) report. The FCC thanks Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) for leading the FY23 House request, along with fellow champions Reps. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Jared Golden (D-ME), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Bill Keating (D-MA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Al Lawson (D-FL).

This grant program has remained a top priority for the FCC since the organization first proposed the idea in 2015. Most recently, the FCC urged leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to include funding for the program in the FY23 CJS bill. The authorizing legislation for the program, The Young Fishermen’s Development Act, was enacted on January 5, 2021 (P.L. 116-289), and while the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) appropriations package included language encouraging the National Sea Grant Program to prioritize the program, this draft subcommittee report marks the first time House appropriators directed funding to launch this critical program.

The Young Fishermen’s Development Program is a workforce development grant program to educate, train, and mentor young and beginning commercial fishermen. Eligible applicants for the program include state Sea Grant programs, state, local, and tribal organizations, community-based NGOs, fishermen’s cooperatives or associations, colleges, and universities. This program is a first-of-its-kind national program, following in the footsteps of numerous successful regional-level efforts, many of which were spearheaded by FCC member organizations.

A program to educate and train the next generation of commercial fishermen is needed now more than ever. Although the U.S. is among the leading fishing nations in the world—generating more than $165 billion in sales and supporting 1.2 million jobs every year—commercial fishermen face increasingly difficult hurdles to success, including rising costs of entry, daunting financial risks, limited entry-level opportunities, and changing ocean dynamics and ecosystems. These and other challenges have only been further exacerbated over the last few years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although this is just the first step of the appropriations process, the FCC thanks House champions and appropriators for recognizing this challenging environment as well as the value and importance of America’s commercial fishermen. We look forward to continuing our work with Congress to ensure future generations of commercial fishermen in the United States not only survive but thrive.