Dockside Newsletter - Young Fishermen’s Development Act Special Issue - Fall 2025

Young Fishermen's Development Act Today's Investment In Tomorrow's Fishermen To secure the future of America's fishing industry, the Fishing Communities Coalition began advocating for a Young Fishermen's Development Act (YFDA) nearly 10 years ago, with legislation first introduced in 2017. The goal was to create a national program, inspired by the USDA’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program, that could train and support our nation's next generation of commercial fishermen through a competitive grant program administered by NOAA Sea Grant. Championed on both sides of the aisle, the bill was signed into law by President Trump in 2020 and has since provided millions of dollars to essential training programs nationwide. Now, as the YFDA seeks reauthorization in Congress, we are proud to highlight the wins and successes from boats, docks, and fishing communities across our nation. Stories of Impact New England Young Fishermen's Alliance (NEYFA) Deckhand Training Program NEYFA, the newest member of the Fishing Communities Coalition, embodies the goals of the YFDA to its core. Their Deckhand to Captain Training Program is a 9-month program to ensure trainees succeed in their journey to becoming Owner-Operators of their fishing vessels. Trainees gain hands-on experience running a successful small-boat commercial fishing business, on and off the water. With guidance from industry experts and mentorship from experienced fishermen, participants develop essential skills in business management, financing, permitting, regulations, marketing, and safety training. Supported by the YFDA, X number of fishermen have participated in this program (so far!). Gulf Commercial Fisherman Program (GCFP) GCFP is a week-long training program designed to prepare new and incoming crew for work in the Gulf commercial fishing industry, delivered by the Gulf of America Reef Shareholders' Alliance. Over the course of the most recent training, participants received a comprehensive introduction to life on the water and the broader industry. Classroom sessions and hands-on instruction covered: The role of science and fisheries management in shaping sustainable practices, Gear handling and tying techniques used in commercial operations, Onboard fish handling procedures to ensure quality and reduce dead discards, What fish houses expect in terms of product quality and presentation, And critical safety training, delivered by the U.S. Coast Guard. This year, on the final day of training, participants headed offshore for a 12-hour fishing trip with industry veterans Jason DeLaCruz and Matt Joswig. For two of the students, it was their very first time on a boat. Despite the long hours and new experiences, everyone rose to the challenge—and no one got seasick! This session was another powerful reminder of why this program is so important. Not only are we recruiting dedicated, high-quality deckhands into the fishery, but we’re also cultivating a new generation that understands science, values sustainability, and respects the traditions of our working waterfronts. The Young Fishermen’s Development Act: Investing in Alaska’s Future The Alaska Marine Conservation Council promotes the integrity of Alaska's marine ecosystems and promoting vibrant coastal communities, including working with fishermen to strengthen and support Alaska's fisheries. Recently, they published a blog about the importance of YFDA: "Alaska’s fisheries are more than an economic engine; they are the heart of our communities, a vital source of food, and a living link to tradition and stewardship. But we face real challenges: an aging fleet of fishermen, boats, and infrastructure, high costs, and barriers that make it harder for young Alaskans to start fishing. One powerful opportunity to help is on the horizon: the reauthorization of the YFDA, which is the first-ever federal workforce development program for fishermen in the United States..." Read the Full Blog Investing in our People The Maine Coast Fishermen's Association (MCFA) developed its Fishermen Wellness Program in response to the changing stress that was being put on fishermen's bodies, minds, and families. The uncertainty of their fishing future, the constant wear and tear on muscles, joints, and tendons meant that new types of support are needed to ensure stable and successful fishing businesses, fishing families, and fishing communities. As part of that program, MCFA is in the process of developing a library of resources and micro-learning videos for young fishermen to support their mental health, physical health, and career resiliency. Each video features experts and fishermen discussing ways to build a successful fishing business and stay healthy for a long, safe career on the water. At a recent filming, 11th-generation fisherman Josh Todd met with Pat Nelson, a physical therapist from Coastal Ortho in Brunswick, Maine to demonstrate simple exercises Josh can use to maintain shoulder health. Learn More Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen Training Course Imagine being a new crew member on a commercial fishing vessel. The sea seems deserted at 2 a.m., miles from shore, when the captain asks you to take wheel watch while he grabs some sleep. “What does an approaching vessel look like on the radar? What course track line am I following on the chart plotter? How do I adjust course? What is the emergency channel on the radio?” races through your mind. The free online Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen Training Course can help provide the answers. The course is a broad overview of fisheries basics and covers everything from gear types to regulations. The six-hour training is part of a constellation of courses the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance has run since 2020 when fishermen were worried about finding quality crew to keep their businesses afloat. Five years later, dozens of fishermen have been through the trainings and scores of high school students have met captains, been on boats, and learned that commercial fishing is a viable career. Read More Alaska On-Board Hands-on Training In 2024, as a result of the Young Fishermen Development Act funding, Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association (ALFA), along with partners Alaska Sea Grant, the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, and the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, provided the first Alaska On-Board hands-on trainings in Sitka, Petersburg and Kodiak. The program was designed for beginning commercial fishermen and new crewmembers to gain basic crew skills, learn about marine safety, network with prospective employers, and meet other people in the industry. These three-day workshops were regionally focused by our local planning committee and included a mix of hands-on activities, lectures, discussion panels, and more. Participants gained knowledge about the industry and hands-on skills; both of which are necessary for commercial fishermen but also tremendously useful in daily life in coastal Alaskan communities. Formalized as part of ALFA’s Young Fishermen Initiative in 2015, ALFA’s Crew Training Program aims to 1) provide young people with an interest in pursuing a career in commercial fishing an opportunity to gain experience; and, 2) give young people the opportunity to better understand commercial fishing, the lifestyle it provides, and its important role in supporting coastal communities. Learn More YFDA's nationwide impact is clear. As these stories show, the YFDA is more than just legislation – it’s an investment in the future of our working waterfronts, our food security, and our coastal communities. From Maine to Alaska to the Gulf, and every harbor in between, YFDA programs are helping the next generation of commercial fishermen gain the skills, knowledge, and resilience they need to thrive in one of America’s most challenging (and rewarding) professions. With reauthorization on the horizon, now is the time to ensure that this critical support continues to grow, empowering these future leaders to carry forward the traditions, economies, and vitality of our nation’s commercial fisheries. The Fishing Communities Coalition and its members stand with fishermen, and with YFDA. Thank you for supporting Community-Based Fisheries! Did you get this from a friend? Subscribe to get your own! Subscribe