US SB2357

Extends authorization of the Young Fishermen's Development Act from 2026 through 2031

Expands eligible training topics to include crew management, disaster preparedness, seafood handling, fishing portfolio diversification, and management of working waterfronts and shoreside infrastructure

Adds technical assistance to mentoring programs and clarifies that consecutive grant terms must be non-concurrent

Requires the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Sea Grant Office, to track career progression of program participants and identify those who enter or remain in U.S. and Great Lakes commercial fisheries

Makes participant outcomes a key factor in evaluating effectiveness of future grant applications