U.S. Fishing Communities Applaud House Passage Young Fishermen’s Development Act Reauthorization

Policy Briefing | March 3, 2026— The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) is celebrating today’s passage of H.R. 3692, which reauthorizes the Young Fishermen’s Development Program (YFDP) through fiscal year 2031.

The YFDP is administered by NOAA’s Sea Grant Program, and supports targeted fishing industry workforce training opportunities nationwide. Its core purpose is to equip early career commercial fishermen with key skills, including marine safety, business management, and knowledge of the fishery management process. 

“FCC has championed this legislation from its inception, because we know first hand how important the next generation is to keeping our fishing communities working,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. “Commercial fishing is a rewarding but hugely challenging profession - it’s one of the most dangerous occupations in the country, and requires a diversity of skills that range from navigation to accounting, mechanics, electrical systems and marketing - and that’s before catching a fish.”

With the security of another five years of support, Behnken said, these programs will empower the next generation of young fishermen to build the skill sets needed to be successful. 

The reauthorization is accompanied by a somber dedication to Captain Gus Sanfilippo and the crew of the F/V Lily Jean out of Gloucester, Mass., lost at sea with all hands in January of this year. 

"Captain Gus Sanfilippo believed deeply in passing down knowledge, mentoring his crew, and creating opportunities for the next generation,” said Aubrey Church, Policy Director of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “Funding this program for the next five years ensures that his legacy lives on by strengthening pathways for young fishermen to build successful careers on the water. This reauthorization honors Gus not just in name but in action, strengthening the future of our working waterfronts and the families who depend on them. It is a one-of-a-kind, industry-led workforce initiative that equips the next generation of men and women with hands-on training, mentorship, and critical safety skills. We are deeply grateful to Representative Moulton and the bill’s co-sponsors for their leadership and steadfast commitment to supporting the future of America’s commercial fishing communities. We also appreciate the sponsors of the Senate companion to this bill, including Senator Markey. We encourage the Senate to act swiftly to pass this bill so we can ensure the legacy of YFDP remains strong for another five years and beyond."

FCC member Andrea Tomlinson, Executive Director of the New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance, called out the importance of bipartisan support for programs that bolster America’s workforce and domestic food production. 

“A healthy working waterfront serves the entire community, socially and economically,” Tomlinson said. “The graying-of-the-fleet has affected the U.S. commercial fishing industry for decades, and access to the industry by the next generation of young fishermen and women is more challenging than ever. Congress continuing to support this legislation in a unified way is a key step in rejuvenating a vibrant and trained commercial fishing workforce — a workforce that is critical to achieving the strategic goals developed by this Administration to increase our supply and consumption of domestic seafood and create a healthier nation.”

FCC members extended appreciation to House of Representatives leadership, including House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman; Water Wildlife and Fisheries Chair Hageman and Ranking Member Hoyle; and sponsor Rep. Moulton along with cosponsors Reps. Begich, Tokuda, Golden, Fitzpatrick, Wittman, Lawler, and Nunn, and Delegate Radewagen.

“We’re grateful to each of the bill’s co-sponsors for recognizing the importance of this effort and helping ensure the next generation of fishermen can carry this tradition forward,” said Eric Brazer, Deputy Director of the Gulf of America Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance. “Ongoing support for the YFDP shows what’s possible when commercial fishermen and Congress work together to secure the future of our industry. This program strengthens fishing businesses, coastal communities, and the seafood supply chain that provides healthy protein to Americans nationwide.”

The original Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA) was signed into law by President Trump five years ago. Supporters say that the program’s success is built on a strong partnership among elected officials, agency partners, and organizations like commercial fishing associations and universities, all working to fund, develop, and advance innovative workforce development and retention initiatives. 

“This House action sends a clear signal that the United States values its fishing heritage and is committed to secure seafood supply chains, thriving coastal communities, and opportunities for young, dedicated fishermen,” said Michelle Stratton, Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Community Coalition. “In the first five years of the program, we’ve seen how targeted training, mentorship, and technical assistance help bridge the gap for early-career harvesters struggling with volatile markets and ever-increasing barriers to success. We urge the Senate to also support another five years of this important work.”