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.