On Sept. 3, the House Natural Resources Committee has advanced H.R. 3692, a bill to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA). The legislation, first passed in 2020, is aimed at addressing workforce challenges in the commercial fishing industry by providing training and business development support for new entrants.
The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC), which said in a press release that it has backed the bill since its inception, welcomed the committee’s action. “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.
The proposed five-year reauthorization is intended to build on YFDA’s support for workforce development, safety training, and business education, the FCC press release said. According to the Coalition, nearly $2 million has already been distributed to training programs through the Sea Grant Program at NOAA, which administers the initiative.
Several members of the Fishing Communities Coalition highlighted the importance of reauthorizing the Young Fishermen’s Development Act.
Andrea Tomlinson, executive director of the New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance, said investment in YFDA programs strengthens the nation’s seafood supply chain and contributes to the health of coastal economies and fishing families. She added that continued YFDA funding, coupled with expanded access to USDA grant opportunities, will be central to the success of initiatives supporting young fishermen’s financial and physical wellness.
"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.”
Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, noted that the challenges facing new entrants to the industry are considerable, including high costs and limited access to both waterfront space and fishery resources. “The YFDA provides a framework to better prepare for these hurdles, helping to foster a new generation of safe and successful fishermen,” she said.
“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.
Ben Martens, executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, spoke to the FCC’s long-term role in advancing the concept behind the YFDA. He described the reauthorization as not just a workforce program, but an investment in America’s seafood producers, working waterfronts, and coastal heritage.
The FCC said it will continue working with Congress to ensure the bill’s passage and maintain federal support for programs that lower barriers to entry in the fishing industry, strengthen domestic seafood supply, and sustain coastal economies.
The FCC thanked committee leaders Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA), Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-WY), and Ranking Member Val Hoyle (D-OR) for prioritizing the measure. The coalition also recognized Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) for introducing the bill and co-sponsors Reps. Nick Begich (R-AK), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Jared Golden (D-ME), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), and Delegate Amata Radewagen (R-AS).
