Moulton Urges Support for Young Fishermen's Development Act Reauthorization Bill

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Seth Moulton, D-Massachusetts, has expressed his enthusiasm for the House Natural Resources Committee's hearing on his reauthorization bill for the Young Fishermen's Development Act. The bipartisan legislation, co-led with Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK), aims to extend the authorization of the program for an additional five years, until 2031. The program, which supports the training and education of the nation's next generation of commercial fishermen, has been a vital component of the nation's seafood industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Young Fishermen's Development Act provides 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 has been signed into law in 2021 and is currently authorized through 2026, but Congressman Moulton's reauthorization bill would extend its authorization for another five years.
  • The Young Fishermen's Development Grant program helps train the next generation of commercial fishermen by providing grants for local education, outreach, and hands-on learning.
  • The program has yielded successful outcomes, such as a $400,000 grant to the New England Young Fishermen's Alliance, which is helping young fishermen in New England receive critical vocational training.
  • Investing in young fishermen means protecting the future of our food supply and our coastal economies.
  • Congressman Moulton's bipartisan bill boasts cosponsors from both parties and coasts and has enjoyed bipartisan support.

Statistics:

  • The Young Fishermen's Development Grant program provides grants of up to $200,000 per year (for up to three years per project).
  • The program has been authorized through 2026.
  • Congressman Moulton's reauthorization bill would extend the authorizations for another five years, until 2031.
  • The grants have helped train the next generation of commercial fishermen, including a $400,000 grant to the New England Young Fishermen's Alliance.

Sources:

  • Moulton, S. (2021, September 5). Moulton Applauds House Natural Resources Committee for Holding Hearing About His Young Fishermen's Development Act Reauthorization Bill. Retrieved from
  • NOAA Sea Grant Program. (n.d.). Young Fishermen's Development Grant Program. Retrieved from