DATELINE ALASKA: COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN URGE CONGRESS TO BUILD ON SUCCESSFUL LEGACY OF FOUNDATIONAL FISHERIES LAW

DATELINE ALASKA: COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN URGE CONGRESS TO BUILD ON SUCCESSFUL LEGACY OF FOUNDATIONAL FISHERIES LAW

At Senate Field Hearing, FCC Members Highlight Threats to Magnuson-Stevens Act & Science-Based Fisheries Management

Washington, DC – Members of the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) continue to urge lawmakers to build on the successes of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and resist efforts to weaken the science-based management provisions of the law that have succeeded in rebuilding and sustaining America’s fisheries and the communities and consumers that rely on them.

Testifying before a Senate field hearing in Alaska chaired by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), FCC members recently highlighted the threats facing MSA’s core principles as Congress prepares to move forward with reauthorizing the primary law governing America’s fisheries.

“In Alaska, as elsewhere, commercial fisheries are a critical and sustainable source of employment, income and cultural identity,” said Linda Behnken, an Alaska commercial fisherman and Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. “The benefits of ending overfishing and rebuilding overfished populations are far-reaching, and the costs of delaying rebuilding are significant. The MSA is working here in Alaska and around the country – any changes should be guided by a commitment to conservation.”

Alaska has served as a model for the entire nation, as its commercial groundfish and halibut fisheries are widely considered among the best-managed fisheries in the world. The FCC members thanked Senator Sullivan for his leadership and urged Congress and the Administration to resist growing efforts to undermine the core conservation principles of MSA.

“Despite the 40-year track record in Alaska and the significant gains other regions have seen since the last reauthorization of MSA, some well-funded factions are pushing for Congress to undo this success,” said Shannon Carroll, Deputy Director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council. “This would be a serious mistake. Congress can help fishermen, processors, coastal communities and the thousands of small businesses that depend on wild-caught, American seafood and fishing opportunities by investing in the science that allows fishermen to harvest optimum yield on a continuing basis.”

FCC member organizations and the commercial fishermen they represent will continue to press the case for science-based fishery management at every turn, including upcoming field hearings, events in the nation’s capital and elsewhere.

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FISHING COMMUNITIES COALITION APPLAUDS APPOINTMENT OF JOHN PAPPALARDO TO NEW ENGLAND FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

FISHING COMMUNITIES COALITION APPLAUDS APPOINTMENT OF JOHN PAPPALARDO TO NEW ENGLAND FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

NOAA Fisheries Appointment of Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance CEO Gives Science-Based Management a Boost

Washington, DC – The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) applauds Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries Chris Oliver for reappointing John Pappalardo, CEO of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, to the New England Fishery Management Council for another three-year term. The FCC, which strongly supported Pappalardo’s nomination by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in March, hailed the appointment as a victory for science-based fishery management and the communities that rely on stable fish stocks.

Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association, who was honored by the White House as a “Champion of Change” in 2016 for her work on fishing sustainability, made the following statement:

“John Pappalardo remains a strong advocate for long-term, science-based decision-making, and the Fishing Communities Coalition is grateful to Secretary Ross, Assistant Administrator Oliver and Governor Baker for their support. Mr. Pappalardo has decades of experience in sustainable fisheries management and has a comprehensive understanding of both federal fisheries and the needs of small-boat fishermen. He has worked diligently to develop and support solutions to the many complex issues facing New England fisheries and is committed to supporting the next generation of commercial fishermen.”

Young Fishermen's Bill Introduced in U.S. Senate

YOUNG FISHERMEN’S BILL INTRODUCED IN U.S. SENATE

FCC Initiative Gains Momentum as Senators Sullivan (AK), Murkowski (AK), Markey (MA) & Cantwell (WA) Champion Effort to Assist Next Generation of Commercial Fishermen  

Washington, DC – The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) today applauded Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) for cosponsoring the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (S.1323). The bipartisan and bicoastal bill, a top FCC priority (watch our new video released today), would give fishing communities a needed boost by addressing steep and growing obstacles – including high cost of entry and limited entry-level opportunities – facing the next generation of America’s commercial fishermen.

“The growing bipartisan momentum behind this bill is very encouraging and shows that leaders in both parties understand that fishermen in today’s world need to know a lot more than simply how to fish,” said John Pappalardo, CEO of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “We appreciate Senator Markey’s leadership in getting this program off the ground because it will give the next generation of fishermen training in fisheries management, business planning and market development tools they’ll need to make a good living bringing sustainable seafood to Americans.”

The Senate legislation, which aligns closely with a House version introduced in April by U.S. Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and Seth Moulton (D-MA), would launch the first coordinated, nationwide effort to train, educate and assist the next generation of commercial fishermen, providing grants of up to $200,000 (totaling $2 million annually) through NOAA’s Sea Grant Program. The FCC recently debuted a short video about the bill that features the voices of current and aspiring fishermen.

“As one of those dependent on the long-term success of our working waterfronts, I’m very grateful to Senators Sullivan and Murkowski for supporting legislation that recognizes the challenges today’s fishermen face,” said Hannah Heimbuch, an Alaska commercial fisherman who also works for the Alaska Marine Conservation Council. “By supporting independent fishermen with this action, we have an opportunity to bolster American food security and the health of coastal communities.”

The bill is modeled after the USDA’s successful Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which is credited with preparing hundreds of young farmers and ranchers for rewarding careers in agriculture. Young fishermen representing FCC members from every U.S. coast recently traveled to Washington, DC, to urge legislators to support the initiative.  

“Fishing employs more Alaskans than any other industry in the state, but high barriers and costs remain for newer generations attempting to fill the ranks of this vital sector of our economy,” said Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK). “This legislation will coalesce regional efforts to lower these barriers through new grants, training opportunities and an apprenticeship program that will help harness the experience of seasoned fishermen. Replenishing the stocks of qualified stewards of our fisheries will help ensure Alaska remains the superpower of seafood.”

“For centuries, fishing has been at the heart of coastal communities in Massachusetts, but it is an increasingly challenging one for new fishermen to join,” said Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). “This legislation will help make sure that our fishing industry continues to attract future generations of fishermen. These training programs will help young men and women be able to push off the dock into new careers and make vital economic contributions to their communities.”

About the Young Fishermen’s Development Act

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Bill to Establish National Young Fishermen’s Program Introduced

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2017

Contact: John Bray (202) 618-3364  

Bill to Establish National Young Fishermen’s Program Introduced

FCC Initiative Gains Momentum as Reps. Young (AK), Moulton (MA) Sponsor Legislation to Empower Next Generation of Commercial Fishermen

Washington, DC – Representatives Don Young (R-AK) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) have introduced the Young Fishermen's Development Act of 2017 (H.R. 2079), a bill that would establish the first national program to support young men and women entering the commercial fishing industry. The bipartisan, bicoastal bill, which would provide grants of up to $200,000 (totaling $2 million annually) through NOAA’s Sea Grant Program, marks a big step forward in the Fishing Communities Coalition’s (FCC) push to launch the first coordinated, nationwide effort to train, educate and assist the next generation of commercial fishermen.

“Representatives Moulton and Young understand that the success of young fishermen is vital to the survival of fishing communities in New England and across the country,” said John Pappalardo, CEO of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “We look forward to working with them on this important effort to ensure the next generation of commercial fishermen are on the water and ready to sustainably harvest America’s seafood.”

Despite daunting challenges that have made it harder than ever for young men and women to start a career in commercial fishing – including the high cost of entry, financial risks and limited entry-level opportunities – there is not a single federal program dedicated to training, educating and assisting young people starting their careers in commercial fishing. The legislation introduced in Congress is modeled after the USDA’s successful Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which is credited with preparing hundreds of young farmers and ranchers for rewarding careers in agriculture.

“Congressman Young understands the challenges young fishermen face, and we thank him for his strong leadership on this vital issue,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. “Empowering the next generation of young fishermen is essential to economic opportunity, food security and our way of life.”

Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have expressed initial support for the legislation, as dozens of FCC members, including commercial fishermen from New England, Alaska, California and the Gulf Coast, have met with them to promote this and other priorities of small-boat community-based commercial fishermen.

“Young commercial fishermen are facing bigger challenges than ever before,” said Rep. Young (AK). “This legislation is about supporting the livelihoods that support entire fishing communities in Alaska and around the country. I am extremely proud to stand up with them.”

“The fishing industry is vital to the Sixth District and to our entire region, but we’re at a crossroads,” said Rep. Moulton (MA). “This legislation will help to sustain the fishing industry by ensuring that our young people not only have a future in fishing, but are also empowered with the training and resources necessary to thrive in the 21st-century economy. I’m grateful to Congressman Young for his collaboration on this bill and broader efforts to support our young fishermen.”

At the end of the month, young fishermen representing FCC members from every U.S. coast will travel to Washington to encourage Congress to pass this important legislation.

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The Fishing Communities Coalition is the united voice for small-boat, community-focused, commercial fishermen from around the country who strive to bring their stewardship vision to bear on national issues. We believe that together, fishermen from around the United States who believe in community-focused ideals, science-based management and forward-looking policies can build a national movement that protects fish, fishermen and fishing communities for this and future generations.

FCC Letter to Congress: White House Budget Puts Fishing at Risk

The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC), an association of community-based, small boat commercial fishermen, today urged Congress to reject the President’s proposed cuts to programs that are vital to the viability of the American commercial fishing industry and their communities.

In a letter delivered to lawmakers responsible for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual budget, the FCC emphasized that President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget request would risk recent progress in halting overfishing and rebuilding overfished stocks: