The Fishing Communities Coalition applauds bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program
The Fishing Communities Coalition issues the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program for another five years:
The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) applauds today’s introduction of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA) led by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). The legislation, which would extend the program for five years beyond its current expiration after Fiscal Year 2026, is a sound investment in the future of America’s fishing industry and a response to the demographic challenge known as the “graying of the fleet.”
The FCC is also deeply grateful for the leadership of Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and a bipartisan group of colleagues, including Reps. Nick Begich (R-AK), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Delegate Amata Radewagen (R-AS) for the introduction of H.R. 3692 last month. This unified, bicameral effort underscores the support for the Young Fishermen’s Development Program (YFDP), which provides workforce development and safety training for early-career commercial fishermen.
The original Young Fishermen’s Development Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2021. If passed, this reauthorization bill would also be signed by President Trump, continuing his support for the YFDP, consistent with his executive orders on strengthening the U.S. seafood industry, workforce development, and U.S. maritime industry.
"The legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen's Development Act is a positive step in securing the future of our coastal communities," said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. "We have seen the average age of our fishermen increase, with the many challenges limiting young people from entering the profession. The YFDA ensures the knowledge of our seasoned fishermen is passed down and that the next generation continues America’s fishing tradition."
The YFDA is a targeted investment that leverages public-private partnerships to deliver training in vessel maintenance, safe fishing practices, business planning, and navigating regulations. By equipping young fishermen with skills for their careers, the program supports the economic resilience of coastal economies and contributes to a stable domestic seafood supply chain.
"This program has support from across the political spectrum because it's about investing in American jobs and food security," said Michelle Stratton, Executive Director of FCC founding member Alaska Marine Conservation Council. "Senator Sullivan’s and Senator Murkowski’s strong support for the YFDA five years ago recognized the importance of our domestic fishing fleet. Their support today is a reaffirmation of their commitment to ensuring future generations of harvesters and fishing communities can thrive for generations to come.”
The challenges for new entrants into the fishing industry are considerable, from high costs to extremely limited waterfront and fishery resource access. The YFDP provides a framework to better prepare for these hurdles, helping to foster a new generation of safe and successful fishermen.
“The Young Fishermen’s Development Act is a great example of commercial fishermen and Congress coming together to protect the future of our commercial fisheries, fishing businesses, and seafood supply chain,” said Eric Brazer, Deputy Director of the Gulf of America Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance. “This workforce development program will help ensure that the Gulf of America — and all of our nation’s coastal communities — can continue to provide jobs, community support, and healthy protein to this country.”
Administered by the Sea Grant Program housed within NOAA, the program has delivered nearly $2 million in direct support to workforce training programs throughout the country, lowering barriers to entry in the fishing industry and enabling fishermen’s organizations to pilot and deliver successful training and apprenticeship programs.
"As a coalition that advanced the original concept for the YFDA, we are pleased to see it continue to garner bipartisan support," said Aubrey Church, Fisheries Policy Director of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. "This is not just a workforce program, it's a support for the future of American fishing. By reauthorizing the YFDA, Rep. Moulton and his House and Senate colleagues, and the President will be making an investment in our nation’s seafood producers, the vitality of our working waterfronts, and the spirit of our coastal heritage."
The Fishing Communities Coalition urges the bipartisan passage of the Young Fishermen’s Development Act and looks forward to shepherding the bill through the legislative process.
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Media contact:
Noah Oppenheim | 207-233-0400 | noah@homarus.co
The Fishing Communities Coalition is a national association of community-based, small-boat commercial fishing groups, representing more than 1,000 independent fishermen and business owners on the East Coast, the Gulf Coast, the West Coast, and Alaska, who share a commitment to the sustainable management of America’s fishery resources.