Fishing Communities Coalition
July 23rd, 2025
By FCC Staff
The Fishing Communities Coalition issues the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program for another five years:
The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) applauds today’s introduction of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act (YFDA) led by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). The legislation, which would extend the program for five years beyond its current expiration after Fiscal Year 2026, is 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 FCC is also deeply grateful for the leadership of Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) and a bipartisan group of colleagues, including Reps. Nick Begich (R-AK), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Delegate Amata Radewagen (R-AS) for the introduction of H.R. 3692 last month. This unified, bicameral effort underscores the support for the Young Fishermen’s Development Program (YFDP), which provides workforce development and safety training for early-career commercial fishermen.
The original Young Fishermen’s Development Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2021. If passed, this reauthorization bill would also be signed by President Trump, continuing his support for the YFDP, consistent with his executive orders on strengthening the U.S. seafood industry, workforce development, and U.S. maritime industry.
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