FY22 APPROPRIATIONS OMNIBUS INCLUDES FUNDING FOR YOUNG FISHERMEN

For Immediate Release: March 17, 2022

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

FISHING COMMUNITIES COALIITON APPLAUDS ENACTMENT OF FY22 APPROPRIATIONS OMNIBUS, INCLUDES FUNDING FOR YOUNG FISHERMEN’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

This week, the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) applauded President Biden for signing the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Appropriations Omnibus Package. The $1.5 trillion omnibus package included crucial language encouraging the National Sea Grant Program under NOAA to prioritize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program, authorized by the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (Public Law 116-289), enacted at the end of the 116th Congress, on January 5, 2021.

“This is a watershed moment,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director for the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. “For the first time, the U.S. will prioritize the education and training for America’s young fishermen and women at a national level. We thank our Congressional leaders— Senators Sullivan, Murkowski, and Markey and Representative Young—for continuing to champion and advance the Young Fishermen’s Development Program and salute President Biden for securing this bi-partisan success.”

“Commercial fishing has a rich history and vital place in our economy,” said Stephanie Sykes, Program and Outreach Coordinator for the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “To continue this legacy, we must support the next generation through considerable barriers including complex regulations, high cost of entry, and fluctuating markets. We applaud Congress for funding the Young Fishermen’s Development Program, which will be instrumental to new and beginning fishermen navigating the industry.” 

Even before needing to navigate the changes and consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were immense challenges for new commercial fishing entrants, including high cost of entry, financial risks, and limited entry-level opportunities. Since the onset COVID-19, those challenges have been amplified as the ongoing pandemic continues to disrupt America’s commercial fishermen and fishing communities and jeopardize our country’s food security and supply chains.

According to Marissa Wilson, Executive Director for the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, “There is a great need, highlighted in tumultuous times like these, to continue the tradition of weaving people and place together in reciprocity. Fishermen who harvest with deep knowledge and respect are an essential part of abundant coastal ecosystems. This funding is a needed investment in local food systems along thousands of miles of coastline; a true victory.”

The Young Fishermen’s Development Program is a workforce development grant program to educate, train, and mentor young and beginning commercial fishermen. The underlying law authorizes $2 million in funding for the program every year for the next six years. Eligible applicants for the grant program include state Sea Grant programs, state, local, and tribal organizations, community-based NGOs, fishermen’s cooperatives or associations, colleges, and universities.

According to Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, “The U.S. commercial fishing industry is a vital component of our food system. Fishermen on every U.S. coast from Maine to Alaska strive to provide sustainable, healthy food to our communities and the nation. We must invest in the next generation of harvesters who are facing unprecedented challenges as they try to build viable small businesses in coastal communities. Thank you to the entire Maine delegation, including appropriators Rep. Pingree and Sen. Collins, for ensuring the Young Fishermen's Development Act remains a priority and for being such strong supporters of Maine's working waterfront communities."

The Young Fishermen’s Development Act has been a top priority for the FCC since 2015. Over the years, more than fifty young fishermen representing FCC members from every U.S. coast have traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Act. After enactment, the next step was for Congress to authorize funding through the appropriations process to implement the program. The FCC is thrilled this next, critical step has been completed.  

According to Eric Brazer, Deputy Director for the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance, “Commercial fishing has a long tradition and rich culture in this country, spanning all coastlines. As the landscape of this industry evolves, it’s vital to provide training and pathways for the next generation to be set up for success and continue providing fresh, sustainable seafood to dinner plates across the country. We thank Congress for prioritizing workforce development and training for the young fishermen who will be the face of this industry’s future.” 

The FCC is grateful that this program and the future of the commercial fishing industry has remained a priority for our bipartisan, bicameral congressional champions. We look forward to continuing working with them, NOAA Sea Grant, and our partners to ensure the Young Fishermen’s Development Program is started this year. This is a proud and important moment for U.S. fishing communities and future generations of commercial fishermen on every coast.

Rep. Huffman Introduces Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future Act

For Immediate Release: July 26, 2021

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

  Fishing Communities Coalition Applauds Introduction of
MSA Reauthorization Bill after Thorough Process

Community Fishermen Praise Chairman Huffman for
Thoughtful Approach to Reauthorization

Today, the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) applauded Chairman Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Congressman Ed Case (D-HI) for introducing the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act, a comprehensive bill reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). This introduction comes after a thorough stakeholder engagement process, which included a listening tour of U.S. fishery regions that tapped into the expertise of fishermen and other ocean stakeholders to assess management challenges and priorities, including how to improve the health of our oceans and fisheries and how to address the effects of climate change.

"Rep. Huffman’s Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization, which was based on comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, earns its place as one of the more balanced fisheries management bills in decades,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, a member of the FCC. “The bill recognizes that climate change must become integral to ocean governance and expands protections for Essential Fish Habitat, both critically important changes that are long overdue. The oceans are changing rapidly, and management must be both responsive to change and broadly protective of fisheries habitat to ensure the long-term productivity of our nation’s fisheries and the economic health of our fishing communities. We applaud this important legislation.

Originally enacted in 1976, the MSA is the primary federal law governing America’s fisheries, and has proven successful in preventing overfishing and rebuilding badly depleted fish stocks through responsible science-based fisheries management. The FCC strongly supports the approach Congressman Huffman, Chair of the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, and Congressman Case have taken to reauthorizing this keystone law, and in fact offered testimony and put forward witnesses in several roundtable discussions.

According to Eric Brazer, Deputy Director of FCC Member Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance, “Chairman Huffman came to the Gulf of Mexico and heard loud and clear that commercial fishermen care about the health of our oceans, the integrity of the scientific process, the need for fair and balanced stakeholder participation, the pride we take in sustainability, and our obligation to accountability. Our oceans may be dynamic, but the core tenets of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act are not – strong, credible science; accountability for all; adherence to catch limits; and a seat at the table for proactive commercial fishermen that are interested in real solutions. We thank Chairman Huffman for his commitment to these priorities and the men and women who go to sea every day to support their families and feed this nation, and we look forward to continuing to work with him on this bill.”

“I’m proud to join Chair Huffman in introducing this landmark reauthorization of our nation’s Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act,” stated Congressman Ed Case. “This reauthorization provides critical updates to ensure the long-term sustainability of our fisheries by integrating climate change as a critical consideration. I’m especially pleased that this bill includes significant reforms to promote accountability, transparency and representation for our nation’s fisheries management councils. These councils are charged with the stewardship of our fisheries, a precious natural resource that all Americans have a vital interest in protecting for long-term sustainability. These are long overdue and necessary reforms to ensure long-term public trust in the work that these councils are doing on behalf of our nation.”

In addition to supporting the process undertaken to craft this legislation, the FCC strongly supports several sections within the text, including measures to increase accountability and transparency, strengthen conservation standards, address climate change, and support fishing communities. The FCC is encouraged by this introduction, and looks forward to continuing to engage as the bill moves forward, ensuring that supporting and strengthening fishing communities and our nation’s working waterfronts remains a priority.

“Commercial fishing has changed a lot in 15 years, and we are thankful Chairman Huffman listened to industry members across the country to find out what changes in the preeminent fisheries legislation would benefit fish, fishermen and the ocean ecosystem,” said John Pappalardo, CEO of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “We are pleased to see that many of our members concerns, including greater accountability, further emphasis on science, a robust framework to meet the challenges of climate change and a funding stream to protect the working waterfronts that are a crucial part of the economy – and a vital, healthy, sustainable, delicious food supply – were included.”

“Americans coast-to-coast depend on healthy oceans and fisheries, whether it’s the seafood we eat, time spent on the water as recreational anglers, or the economic engine supporting working waterfronts and coastal communities. We know that the MSA has worked well, but new approaches are needed in this era of climate change, new technologies, evolving science needs, and increasing ocean use,” said Rep. Huffman. “Through our stakeholder-driven, science-based approach, we have crafted legislation that rises to the challenges of the 21st Century and includes critical updates to this landmark law. With the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act, we can strengthen fishing communities and ensure a high standard of sustainable fisheries management continues well into the future. I am committed to continuing to work with stakeholders and my colleagues as we move this legislation forward.”

Young Fishermen's Development Act Passes Congress

For Immediate Release: December 20, 2020
Contact: Ben Martens, 207-619-1755; ben@mainecoastfishermen.org

  Fishing Communities Coalition Applauds Congressional Passage of Young Fishermen's Development Act

Community fishermen Hail Passage of
Bipartisan Bill to Boost America's Future
Fishermen, Urge Enactment

Today, the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) cheered Congress passing the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (H.R. 1240, S. 496). On December 10, the House unanimously passed H.R. 1240. Today, the Senate—having already shown its support by passing S. 496 earlier this month—also passed the House version by unanimous consent. The bipartisan bill, championed by Reps. Young (R-AK), Moulton (D-MA), Golden (D-ME), Pingree (D-ME), and Radewagen (R-AS) and Sens. Sullivan (R-AK), Murkowski (R-AK), Markey (D-MA), Collins (R-ME), King (I-ME), and Cantwell (D-WA), establishes the first ever national program to train, educate, and foster the next generation of commercial fishermen.

"We are thrilled by the passage of the Young Fishermen’s Development Act,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) and recipient of the 2020 Heinz Award in Environment. “This bill provides important support for the education and training of young people entering America’s fisheries. Alaska’s Congressional delegation played a lead role in advancing this legislation, building bipartisan support for an important industry and Alaska’s number one private sector employer. ALFA, along with our partners at the Fishing Communities Coalition, have worked with Congress to reach this outcome and today we are celebrating a brighter future for our industry and our young fishermen.”

“Alaska is the unquestioned superpower of seafood, thanks to our world-class, sustainably-managed fisheries and our countless hard-working fishermen,” said Senator Sullivan. “The sustainability and endurance of this vital industry, which employs more people in Alaska than any other, depends on up-and-coming qualified fishermen. I thank my colleagues for passing our legislation to reduce basic barriers to entry through new grants, training opportunities and apprenticeship programs. Helping the next generation of Alaskans enter our fisheries will help ensure Alaska remains the superpower of seafood.”

Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were immense challenges for new commercial fishing entrants, including high cost of entry, financial risks, and limited entry-level opportunities. This year, those challenges have been amplified as the ongoing pandemic continues to devastate America’s commercial fishermen and fishing communities, and jeopardize our country’s food security and supply chains.

According to Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Chair of the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, “During this time of economic crisis, it is important that we foster the business skills and development of young people. That is one of the many reasons why I am proud to support the Young Fishermen’s Development Act. I represent many fishing communities, and I have heard firsthand from those in my district and across the country about the barriers young entrants face when starting off in the commercial fishing industry. Supporting the next generation of young and beginning fishermen will help ensure that our country’s rich coastal heritage and economies continue to thrive.”

The Young Fishermen’s Development Act has been a top priority for the FCC since the organization first proposed the program back in 2015. Over the years, more than fifty young fishermen representing FCC members from every U.S. coast have traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Act. Once signed into law, this bill will solidify and unite current regional, piecemeal efforts into a cohesive, national initiative to train and mentor new and beginning fishermen in sustainable fishing and business practice.

“The Young Fishermen’s Development Act is crucial to the success of the Cape’s small-boat fleets and the communities that rely on commercial fishing, an industry that helped build the peninsula and is a vital part of the new blue economy,” said John Pappalardo, CEO of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, an FCC member. “Over the years, successful captains and their crews have swapped out their oilskins for suits, ties, and skirts to travel to D.C. to tell the story of how this bill helps guarantee a brighter future and offers increased opportunities for consumers to enjoy fish caught off America’s shores. We are truly grateful for the dogged support of Senators Markey and Warren and Representatives Moulton and Keating.”

“Commercial fishing is part of Gloucester's and New England’s identity and economy, but the legacy will end if we don’t make it easier for the next generation to get started,” Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06) said. “These grants will help the industry expand and evolve. Every fisherman and lobsterman I’ve ever met wants to keep the fish stock and our oceans healthy. I’m proud that this money will give new opportunities to young people and also help teach fishermen how to build new gear and fish in new ways that protect our oceans. Congress’s investment will pay off in new technology that works and has buy-in from the people using it to make a living.”

“There’s no doubt we’re going to need more young people ready to take the wheel to keep the fishing industry strong in our state for years to come,” said Rep. Jared Golden, Rep. Chellie Pingree, Sen. Susan Collins, and Sen. Angus King. “This legislation will help prepare young Mainers for jobs in the fishing and lobster industries, which will encourage them to stay in Maine to find work and sustain fishing communities and businesses throughout our state. We’re proud to work together to pass this bill through Congress and we urge the president to sign it into law without delay.”

“At the core of our work is the concept of creating a better future for the next generation of fishermen in Maine and around the country. This not only means making sure that we have abundant natural resources and access for our fishermen, but the ability to give the next generation the tools they need to build profitable businesses, support their communities, be proactive stewards of our oceans, and grow to become the leaders our fisheries deserve.” said Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association.

The FCC is grateful the bill has received such strong bipartisan and bicameral support from Congress, and hopes President Trump—who this summer convened a roundtable meeting with commercial fishermen in Maine—quickly signs it into law.

FCC Statement on Oceans-Based Climate Solutions Act 2020

Fishing Communities Coalition Statement on
Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act of 2020

October 22, 2020

The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) appreciates the House Natural Resources Committee and Chairman Grijalva’s goals and efforts in introducing the “Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act of 2020.” This comprehensive bill puts forward a number of bold and provocative proposals to respond to climate change and address our changing oceans.

While the FCC shares many of the goals of the legislation, we are concerned the bill could hamper the science-based approach to fisheries management successfully embodied in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). We believe management actions should be designed through the publicly accessible council process to meet clearly identified and scientifically defensible resource goals, excluding uses that are incompatible with those goals--commercial or otherwise. Our members recognize climate change is a significant threat to ocean health and our livelihoods, and welcome legislation that takes meaningful action to address it. FCC members will continue to work with Congress to maintain ocean health and promote sustainable fisheries. We will also ensure Congress fully understands the implications of the legislation on our small-scale fishermen as well as their ability to access the traditional fishing grounds they have worked hard to protect. 

For the last five years, the FCC has been actively engaged in the reauthorization of the MSA, the nation’s primary fisheries management statute. This bill recommends a number of changes to that law. The FCC looks forward to working with Congress and hopes to give fishermen the opportunity to collaborate on the bill so that we can be confident it will strengthen fisheries management, protect critical ecosystems, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

How the White House and Congress Can Act to Save America’s Fishing Economies

COVID-19: Fishing Communities in Crisis

How the White House and Congress Can Act to Save America’s Fishing Economies

Washington, DC ­– In the wake of President Trump’s roundtable meeting with commercial fishermen in Maine Friday, the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) has outlined specific and immediate steps policymakers in Washington can take to address the health and economic crisis facing America’s fishing communities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fishermen represented by the FCC have suffered sales declines as high as 95% this year due primarily to restaurant closures. 

“President Trump’s roundtable meeting with commercial fishermen in Maine Friday came at a critical moment for an industry in urgent need of assistance to offset the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, an FCC member. “Unfortunately, opening up a national monument to additional fishing when seafood markets domestically and internationally have collapsed won't solve the very real and immediate needs of our nation's fishermen." 

The FCC, an association of community-based, small-boat commercial fishing groups, representing more than 1,000 fishermen from Maine to Alaska, is urging the Trump Administration and Congress to put politics aside and take the following actions while ensuring the protection of the marine ecosystems that are essential to America’s sustainable fishing future:

• Provide $5.4 billion in upcoming relief funds for commercial fishermen, equal to the dockside value of seafood landings in 2017, the most recently reported year by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

• $2.7 billion of this amount for direct funding for the commercial fishing industry to provide immediate relief to fishery participants under the terms of section 12005 of the CARES Act.

• Provide the remaining $2.7 billion to existing programs directed to commercial fishermen, including, but not limited to: 

  • Department of Agriculture (USDA) procurement and producer initiatives

  • Department of Transportation infrastructure and capacity programs

  • Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster support and loan programs

• Expand USDA and SBA authorities and responsibilities to include seafood harvesters in programs that have historically left fishermen out, including USDA commodity purchasing programs, the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program—which received significant funding in the CARES Act and is a logical place for seafood inclusion.

• Ensure seafood harvesters are specifically included via language in existing and ongoing disaster relief efforts such as the Paycheck Protection Program and have access to COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment, and free medical care arising from the pandemic.