SC Alaska News

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has moved forward with bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Program. The bill was introduced by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in July. The program, first established in 2021 for a five-year period, aims to address challenges faced by new entrants in the fishing industry.

If passed, the bill would allocate $2 million annually through fiscal year 2031 to support regional training and apprenticeship opportunities for individuals starting their careers in fishing.

Senator Dan Sullivan stated, “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 importance of supporting new fishermen: “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 emphasized local impact: “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.”

Senator Murkowski highlighted benefits for Alaska: “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.”

Fishing remains a major source of employment in Alaska but continues facing obstacles such as high entry costs, financial risks, and few opportunities at beginner levels.