SC Alaska News

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has moved forward with a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program. The legislation was introduced in July by Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both Republicans from Alaska, along with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Originally authorized in 2021 for five years, the Young Fishermen’s Development Program aims to address challenges faced by new entrants into the fishing industry. The proposed legislation would provide $2 million annually through fiscal year 2031 to fund regional training opportunities and apprenticeship programs for individuals starting their careers in fishing.

Senator Murkowski stated, “The Young Fisherman’s Development Act has helped the next generation of fishermen access the resources they need to keep Alaska seafood on America’s table. By reauthorizing this legislation, we’re providing more young Alaskans with hands-on training and financial resources to reduce the high barriers of entry that prevent the next generation from grabbing the helm. I thank Senator Sullivan for guiding this bill through committee and will continue working alongside my colleagues to bring this to the Senate floor.”

Senator Sullivan added, “The Young Fishermen’s Development Program is the only federal program providing competitive funding to educate and train young fishermen and to prepare them for success in the fishing sector, which is critically important to Alaska’s economy and our coastal communities. Over the past four years, this vital program has delivered on its mandate—helping to lower costs and barriers to entering the industry, expanding training opportunities, and empowering our fishermen to continue sustainably harvesting our world-class seafood. I thank my committee colleagues for standing with our fishermen and advancing this bill to strengthen our fleets and America’s seafood industry.”

Senator Markey commented on the national impact: “The Young Fisherman’s Development Program ensures that we adequately support future generations of young fishermen in Massachusetts and in coastal communities across the nation. The fishing industry is a critical part of the Bay State’s economy, but its barriers to entry are higher than ever. We must stand by the young men and women looking to build their careers by providing them with training and resources that allow them to get out on the water and feed the nation. I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the advancement of our reauthorization bill and look forward to bolstering future generations of fishermen from coast to coast.”

Senator Wicker highlighted local significance: “The fishing industry is crucial to the economic success of coastal Mississippi. The Young Fishermen’s Development Act encourages future generations of anglers to take advantage of opportunities to perfect their skills. Fishermen of all ages should have the resources to be successful.”

Fishing remains Alaska's largest employer; however, high entry costs, financial risks, and limited opportunities make it difficult for younger individuals seeking work in fisheries.

The proposed legislation includes measures such as training, education, outreach, technical assistance initiatives for new entrants into fishing; authorization of competitive grants supporting local or regional programs including workshops; as well as continued annual funding at $2 million through 2031.