Press Release: 6/5/2025

Moulton, Begich, Tokuda, Amata, and Golden Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize the Young Fishermen's Development Act

 



June 4, 2025 



Washington, DC – Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA), Nick Begich (R-AK), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), and Jared Golden (D-ME) have introduced a bill to reauthorize the Young Fishermen's Development Act for an additional five years. 



The Young Fishermen’s Development Act’s national competitive grant program supports the training and education of the nation’s next generation of commercial fishermen. The program authorizes grants of up to $200,000 per year (for up to three years per project) through NOAA’s Sea Grant Program to support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for young fishermen. 



The program, which was signed into law in 2021, is currently authorized through 2026. Congressmen Moulton and Begich’s bipartisan bill would extend the authorization of the program for another five years, to 2031. 



“Commercial fishing is at the heart of Massachusetts’ identity and economy, but this legacy will not endure if we don’t help the next generation get started,” Rep. Moulton said. “These grants help the industry expand and evolve. I’m proud that this money will give new opportunities to young people and help fishermen continue to get out on the water and supply our communities with fresh seafood.”



“Alaska has led the nation in sustainable fisheries, but we need to make sure the next generation has the tools to carry that legacy forward. This is about passing the torch,” said Rep. Begich. “Safety, business training, mentoring - this specific program builds upon those efforts and does it in a way that’s responsive to the real needs of the fleet. This program is an investment in young people who will keep our seafood economy competitive and sustainable for decades to come. With high start-up costs and fewer young people entering the trade, this program is more important than ever and I’m proud to lead this effort with Congressman Moulton.”



"In my district in HawaiĘ»i, fishing is not just an integral part of our economy, it's part of our livelihood, rooted in our culture, history and communities," said Rep. Tokuda. "I'm proud to work across the aisle to ensure commercial fishermen have the training, tools, and opportunities to learn about the industry and the importance of preserving our natural resources so this way of life can continue for generations to come."



“The Young Fishermen’s Development Act is a fine bipartisan accomplishment that I was happy to support from the beginning, and it is part of Congressman Don Young’s extensive legacy," said Rep. Amata. "Reauthorizing this initiative will help young professionals be well-equipped for fishing careers that add strength to U.S. food resources, support their families, and promote economic activity for years to come. Thank you especially to Congressman Begich for his leadership in keeping our young fishermen as an ongoing priority."



“Opportunities for young people to gain experience working on the water are vital for the preservation of Maine’s fishing industry and the coastal communities supported by it,” Rep. Golden said. “This program has a proven track record of developing the next generation of fishermen, and I’m proud to be part of the bipartisan effort to keep it going.”



Recent projects funded by Young Fishermen’s Development Act grants include:




  • A $400,000 grant to the New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance, to allow young fishermen in New England to receive critical vocational training as they enter the industry, develop into competent deckhands, and transition to the wheelhouse as captains.

  • A $242,384 grant to Alaska’s AK On-Board commercial fisherman training project, to combine expertise and training methods from programs led by Alaska Sea Grant, the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, and the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, to provide regional training and mentorship opportunities for aspiring commercial fishermen.

  • A $296,342 grant to the Eastern Maine Skippers Program, to serve eight rural Maine coastal schools and train 80 high school students and 16 post-graduates annually through workshops, vessel-based activities, and mentorship. 

  • A $333,831 grant to allow for the implementation of near-term action items from the South Atlantic Planning Framework developed by Sea Grant programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. 

  • A $200,000 grant to extend California commercial fishing training to new apprentices and existing young fishers in two new regions, Santa Barbara Channel and Morro Bay, while continuing its presence in San Diego.