Bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program for five more years was hailed by the Fishing Communities Coalition.

Led by Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA) would extend the program beyond its current expiration after the federal 2026 fiscal year, keeping alive what the coalition calls “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 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, in a statement with other coalition members.

“We have seen the average age of our fishermen increase, with the many challenges limiting young people from entering the profession,” said Behnken. “The YFDA ensures the knowledge of our seasoned fishermen is passed down and that the next generation continues America’s fishing tradition."

The coalition also credited Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., and a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives including Reps. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, Jared Golden, D-Maine, Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Delegate Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, for introducing a version of the legislation in the lower chamber as H.R. 3692 last month.

“This unified, bicameral effort underscores the support for the Young Fishermen’s Development Program , which provides workforce development and safety training for early-career commercial fishermen,” according to the Fishing Communities Coalition.

The coalition is a national association of community-based, small-boat commercial fishing groups, representing more than 1,000 independent fishermen and business owners all around the U.S. coasts.

The original Young Fishermen’s Development Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump during his first term in 2021. If passed, this reauthorization bill would also be signed by Trump to reaffirm support for the program, “consistent with his executive orders on strengthening the U.S. seafood industry, workforce development, and U.S. maritime industry,” advocates say.

The legislation would target investments to leverage 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 the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, one of the coalition's founding member groups.

“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.”