Fishing Communities Coalition
October 21, 2025
The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) commends the Senate Commerce, Science, and Technology Committee for marking up S.2357, the Young Fishermen’s Development Extension Act, which reauthorizes the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA) program for a second five-year period. By advancing this legislation, Congress is recommitting to America’s fishing industry, supporting workforce development, and promoting the safety, prosperity, and ingenuity of our nation’s early-career commercial fishermen.
“The YFDA is a true example of policy responding to and supporting community needs,” said Michelle Stratton, Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council. “Workforce development programs like the Young Fishermen’s Development Grant are more than symbolic investments. They are lifelines to sustaining working waterfronts, nurturing the next generation of stewards, and maintaining resilient local economies. In the first five years of the program, we’ve seen how targeted training, mentorship, and technical assistance help bridge the gap for early-career harvesters struggling with volatile markets and ever-increasing barriers to success. By reauthorizing this program, Congress sends a clear signal that the United States values its fishing heritage and is committed to securing seafood supply chains, thriving coastal communities, and opportunities for young, dedicated fishermen. We thank Senators Sullivan and Murkowski and the bill’s cosponsors for their leadership and urge swift advancement of this legislation.”
Five years ago Congress passed and President Trump signed the original YFDA and launched the program. The success of the YFDA hinges upon a strong alliance between elected officials, our National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) partners, and organizations like commercial fishing associations and universities to fund, develop, and advance these innovative workforce development and retention efforts. We are deeply grateful that Senator Sullivan and the bill’s co-sponsors, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) are committed to reauthorizing the YFDA.
The FCC extends its sincere gratitude to the Commerce Committee's leadership, Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell, for prioritizing this important legislation. We also express our deepest appreciation to the bill's sponsors for their vision and dedication: Senator Dan Sullivan for his leadership introducing the legislation, as well as Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) for their steadfast support as co-sponsors.
"The Young Fishermen's Development Program stands as a unique industry-driven initiative, offering workforce training and development unavailable anywhere else,” said Aubrey Church, Policy Director of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “YFDA has empowered early-career fishermen across the nation to build successful livelihoods through hands-on experience, mentorship, and strong community support. The reauthorization and continued funding of this program for the next five years is an investment in the future of America’s working waterfronts. It ensures that the next generation of skilled, conservation-minded fishermen can carry forward the legacy and sustainability of our coastal communities and fisheries. Senator Markey has championed the YFDA from the very beginning, recognizing how critical it is to create pathways for the next generation to enter and thrive in commercial fishing and we thank him for his leadership and steadfast support.”
YFDA programs support early career commercial fishermen in developing skills in areas like marine safety, business & accounting, the fishery management process, and more. With another five years of support, YFDA programs will enable another generation of young fishermen to incorporate these skills into their businesses and maximize their chances of success.
“Commercial fishing is a rewarding but hugely challenging profession - it is 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,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association. “Senator Sullivan and Murkowski’s support for the YFDA has been steadfast for years. This program supports US fisheries and the success of our next generation of American fishermen.”
"Bipartisan support for continued funding of the YFDA is essential,” said Andrea Tomlinson, Executive Director of the New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance. “The graying of the fleet has been affecting the US 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 YFDA was initially passed at a critical time for industry, and the need continues.There has been a rejuvenation across the country to keep our fishing tradition and heritage alive and the continuation of both YFDA and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for fishermen is vital for these nationwide efforts to continue. More importantly, by creating a vibrant and trained commercial fishing workforce, we can accomplish the strategic goals developed by this Administration to increase our supply and consumption of domestic seafood, creating a healthier nation that supports their local seafood harvester. The widespread economic and social benefits of a healthy working waterfront serve everyone. "
“The Young Fishermen’s Development Act shows what’s possible when commercial fishermen and Congress work together to secure the future of our industry,” said Eric Brazer, Deputy Director of the Gulf of America Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance. “By investing in workforce development, this program strengthens fishing businesses, coastal communities, and the seafood supply chain that provides healthy protein to Americans nationwide. We’re grateful to Senator Wicker, his colleagues from Alaska and Massachusetts, and Commerce Committee Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for recognizing the importance of this effort and helping ensure the next generation of fishermen can carry this tradition forward.”
The Fishing Communities Coalition urges the bipartisan passage of the Young Fishermen’s Development Act in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and looks forward to shepherding the bill through the legislative process so that the YFDA program can continue to play a role in supporting commercial fishermen, their families, and their communities.
