WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that he has cosponsored the Young Fishermen’s Development Act, legislation to mitigate the challenges facing new entrants into the fishing industry and bolster recruiting with competitive grants to support new and established local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for young fishermen.

            “Fishing is a critical industry in Maine – both in terms of our economy and in terms of our state’s heritage,” Senator King said. “But it’s becoming more difficult for young folks to take to the water. If we want to have a stable fishing industry in the years to come, then it’s crucial that we encourage the next generation of Maine fishermen, and this legislation will help accomplish that by supporting training opportunities and apprenticeship programs.”

More specifically, the Young Fishermen’s Development Program would include:

• Competitive grants program for collaborative state, tribal, local, or regionally based networks or partnerships.
• Provide financial support for local and regional training and education in sustainable and accountable fishing practices and marine stewardship, business practices, and technical initiatives that address the needs of beginning fishermen.
• $2 million annual authorization for 6 years for program implementation.

The legislation was introduced earlier this month by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).

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