Posted October 21, 2024
In 2025, as part of a 2-year project, Alaska Marine Conservation Council and our partners will host a second round of 3-day trainings in the Bering Straits and Kodiak regions for young fishermen involved in commercial fishing. The first round of trainings was held last spring in Sitka, Petersburg and Bristol Bay. Alaska Sea Grant with AMCC and Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) received funds from NOAA Sea Grant to implement AK On-Board: Young Fishermen Training and Apprenticeship Program which draws on the strengths of each project partner to help new crewmembers be successful on the water.
2024 Sitka Fishermen Training
“Young people are the future of our fishing industry, but the challenges to entry are considerable,” explained ALFA Director Linda Behnken. “This funding is allowing us to expand and coordinate the existing programs of project partners to offer Alaska’s young fishermen a springboard to success.”
This project, supported by results from an Alaska Sea Grant-led scoping effort, takes a broad approach to fisherman training. The scoping identified six priority learning areas for beginning commercial fishermen, and AK On-Board addresses two key areas of need—marine safety and crew skills—while addressing other areas based on local needs.
“All of us on this project have been working to train young fishermen in various ways for a while now,” said Alaska Sea Grant project lead Gabe Dunham. “Between our organizations the pieces are there, and this project is putting them together to create a really impactful program.”
The program consists of three components: training, apprenticeships and networking. Participants receive applied training in crew and deckhand skills, as well as marine safety. This component is based on Alaska Sea Grant’s successful Crew Class, a Bristol Bay program entering its fifth year. Apprenticeships facilitate professional relationships between new crew and experienced captains to share valuable experience. This model was developed by Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, which has been placing apprentices on fishing vessels since 2015. The program also provides networking opportunities with the goal of creating supportive relationships and cohorts that have the knowledge to successfully engage in fishery management processes. This is based on AMCC’s Young Fishermen’s Network.
“Networking and mentorship in the commercial fishing industry throughout Alaska are highly valued and essential to navigate a successful fishing career,” said Theresa Peterson, AMCC’s Fisheries Policy Director. “This project provides the opportunity to build long standing support systems for young fishermen in a systematic way.”
Alaska’s commercial fishing fleet employs over 31,000 people statewide and needs a pipeline of skilled labor. Alaska resident fishermen are of particular importance to the economies of coastal communities, supporting Alaska families, increasing food security and supporting local businesses and governments year round.
Funding for this project is from the Young Fishermen’s Development Act sponsored by the late Alaska Representative Don Young.
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