U.S. fishing organizations are applauding the passage of legislation renewing a key workforce training program for the commercial fishing industry.
The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) announced March 3 that H.R. 3692 has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, reauthorizing the Young Fishermen’s Development Program (YFDP) through fiscal year 2031.
Administered through NOAA’s Sea Grant Program, the YFDP supports training opportunities for early-career commercial fishermen, focusing on marine safety, business management, and navigating 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.”
Supporters say renewing the program provides another five years of stability for workforce development efforts aimed at preparing young fishermen to enter the industry. The reauthorization also carries a dedication to Capt. Gus Sanfillippo and the crew of the Gloucester-based Lily Jean, who were lost at sea with all hands in January.
"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."
Industry advocates say the program helps address a long-standing challenge across U.S. fisheries: an aging fleet and increasing barriers for new entrants.
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.”
The bill now heads to the Senate, where supporters are urging lawmakers to move quickly to extend the program for another five years.
