On February 14, 2019, Representative Don Young (R-AK), along with a bipartisan group of cosponsors, introduced the “Young Fishermen’s Development Act” (H.R. 1240). On the same day, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), also with bipartisan support, introduced a companion bill (S. 496) in the Senate. Both bills would establish a national grant program to support initiatives to educate, train, and mentor young and novice fishermen around the country.

Our colleagues with the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) have been working closely with Congress on the “Young Fishermen’s Development Act” and have more information on these bills here. The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee marked up and approved S. 496 on July 24, 2019, and you can read the FCC’s press release here.

The Network supports the “Young Fishermen’s Development Act” and its efforts to help America’s fishing industry thrive for generations to come.