Fishing Communities Coalition Applauds House Natural Resources Committee Markup of Young Fishermen's Development Act Reauthorization
The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) enthusiastically commends the House Natural Resources Committee for advancing H.R. 3692, a bill to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA). This step forward highlights the strong bipartisan commitment to investing in the future of America's commercial fishing industry, seafood providers, and coastal communities.
“The FCC has championed this legislation for more than a decade, now that we are beginning to see what a catalyst it is for the fishing industry we need to keep it going,” said Aubrey Church, Fisheries Policy Director of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “We urge all members of Congress to support this bill, which will help ensure that our nation's rich fishing heritage and coastal economies can thrive for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to Representative Moulton and all who have shepherded this legislation to this point, and look forward to supporting it as it continues to advance toward passage.”
The FCC extends its sincere gratitude to the committee's leadership, including Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA), and the leadership of the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Ranking Member Val Hoyle (D-OR) for prioritizing this important legislation.
We also express our deepest appreciation to the bill's sponsors for their vision and dedication: Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) for his leadership on introducing the legislation, as well as Reps. Nick Begich (R-AK), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Jared Golden (D-ME), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA), and Delegate Amata Radewagen (R-AS) for their steadfast support as co-sponsors.
The YFDA is an essential program that directly addresses the "graying of the fleet" by providing opportunities for and support for fishermen’s workforce development, safety training, and business skills. By reauthorizing this act, Congress is making a sound investment in a stable domestic seafood supply chain and the economic resilience of our working waterfronts. The five-year reauthorization will reinvigorate Congress’s commitment to supporting fishing communities and healthy food production throughout the country.
“Investment in YFDA programs strengthen our nation's seafood supply chain and contribute to the health of coastal economies and fishing families,” said Andrea Tomlinson, Executive Director of the New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance. “Continued YFDA funding, coupled with expanded access to USDA grant opportunities supporting our organization and many like it, will be central to the success of local and national initiatives to support young fishermen’s financial and physical wellness. By fostering a trained commercial fishing workforce, we can achieve national goals to increase domestic seafood supply and consumption, thereby supporting local harvesters and benefiting the entire nation.”
"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 the Alaska Marine Conservation Council. "The stalwart support from Rep. Begich and all members of the Alaska Congressional Delegation is a reaffirmation of their commitment to ensuring future generations of harvesters and fishing communities can thrive.”
“The challenges for new entrants into the fishing industry are considerable, from high costs to extremely limited waterfront and fishery resource access,” added Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. “The YFDA 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. The commercial fishermen of the Gulf of America are grateful to the Natural Resources Committee for advancing this effort.”
Administered by the Sea Grant Program housed within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 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 and bicameral support," said Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. "This is not just a workforce program, it's a support for the future of American fishing. By reauthorizing the YFDA, Rep. Golden 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 so that the YFDA program can continue to play a role in supporting commercial fishermen, their families, and their communities for another successful five years.