U.S. lawmakers in Congress have introduced a bill that would reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act, legislation that provides financial support for apprenticeships and early career workforce development.
“Over the last four years, the Young Fishermen’s Development Program has helped reduce the high barriers and costs that too often prevent prospective fishermen from filling the ranks of the fishing sector,” U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) said in a statement. “We want to ensure the next generation of fishermen can continue utilizing these grants, training opportunities, and apprenticeship programs that will bolster our fishing fleet and maintain Alaska’s status as the global superpower of seafood. I urge my colleagues to join us in reauthorizing this important program that is focused on reversing the ‘greying’ of the fleet, supporting our many coastal communities, and empowering our fishermen to continue sustainably harvesting our world-class seafood.”
Originally passed and signed into law in 2021 during the final days of the first term of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Young Fishermen’s Development Act created a federal competitive grant program that provided funding for mentorship programs, trainings, and education to support young people entering the fisheries industry. The initial leverage authorized USD 2 million (EUR 1.7 million) in annual funding for the grants, however, the authorization is set to expire in 2026.
The reauthorization legislation would authorize the same level of annual funding through 2031.
The Senate version of the legislation is backed by Sullivan, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), while a House version was introduced by U.S. Representative Nick Begich (R-Alaska).
“Fishing is a cornerstone of the Massachusetts economy, and a vital economic driver for the nation, but there are far too many barriers preventing young people from joining the industry,” Markey said in a statement. “With this legislation, we are reaffirming our commitment to the next generation of fishermen by working to build their ability to push off the dock into fulfilling careers at sea. I thank my colleagues for their partnership on this bill and will continue to fight for this important program and our fishing communities.”
The legislation has been backed by the Fishing Communities Coalition, the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, and the Alaska Marine Conservation Council.
“The nation’s community-based commercial fisheries have benefitted from this small but mighty program through enhanced workforce development and safety training opportunities,” FCC Coordinator Noah Oppenheim said in a statement. “The reauthorization of this program will support hundreds of additional early-career fishermen as they begin working in America’s oldest profession. Five years ago, President Trump signed the original Young Fishermen’s Development Act into law, and we look forward to supporting this bill as it advances through Congress and lands on his desk once again.”
