The FCC is leading efforts to support the next generation of America’s commercial fishermen through the reauthorization of the Young Fishermen’s Development Act
ABOUT THE YOUNG FISHERMEN’S DEVELOPMENT ACT
Daunting challenges, including high cost of entry, financial risks and limited entry-level opportunities have made it harder than ever for young men and women to start a career in commercial fishing.
The bipartisan Young Fishermen’s Development Act, passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Trump in 2021, establishes a national grant program to support initiatives to educate, train, and mentor young and beginning fishermen.
The bill implements a program allowing fishing associations, universities, tribal organizations, and others to compete for grant funding to train young commercial fishermen in sustainable fishing and business practices. It solidifies and unites current piecemeal training efforts into a cohesive, national initiative to advance this critical mission.
The YFDA is set to expire after Fiscal Year 2026, and the program needs to be reauthorized! Our Congressional champions are advancing reauthorization of the YFDA (H.R.3692 and S.2357).
CONTACT YOUR U.S. Representative and Senators to express your support for YFDA reauthorization!
“A Future on the Water”
KEY YFDA COMPONENTS
Competitive grant program for collaborative state, tribal, local or regionally based networks or partnerships
Mentorship/apprenticeship program to connect retiring fishermen and vessel owners with new and beginning fishermen
Support for regional training and education programs focused on sustainable and accountable fishing practices, marine stewardship and sound business practices
Grants may not exceed a period of longer than three years, with a maximum grant amount of $200,000/year
$2 million annual authorization for five years.
Reauthorization of the program would extend it through 2031.