November in an Alaskan fisherman’s world often means a trip south to Seattle for Pacific Marine Expo — reconnecting with friends, meeting processors and fleet managers, discovering new tools and technologies, and catching up on policy updates that shape the upcoming season. Even if you’re not traveling to PME this year, winter is an ideal time to invest in yourself and your business: strengthen skills, make new connections, and prepare for a successful year on the water.
Below are some resources and opportunities to help you grow, learn, and stay inspired this winter. Share them with crew members and fishing friends, and help support the next wave of leaders in Alaska’s seafood industry.
Pacific Marine Expo Education Program — Nov 20–22
Website: https://www.pacificmarineexpo.com/education/
Offers a full schedule of presentations ranging from sustainability to vessel safety to industry innovation. Check for virtual session options if tuning in from afar.
Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit — Jan 20–22 (Juneau)
Website: https://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/workshops/ayfs/
An intensive training for new entrants interested in commercial fishing business ownership, leadership, fisheries policy, and market dynamics.
Business of Fishing Course — Alaska Sea Grant
Website: https://alaskaseagrant.org/events/
A virtual course in February designed for boat owners, permit holders, or anyone ready to improve operations and strengthen financial management.
Seafood Processing Workshops — Alaska Sea Grant
Website: https://alaskaseagrant.org/seafood-processing/
For those exploring value-added seafood products or wanting a deeper understanding of processing systems.
Safety & Skills Training — AMSEA
Website: https://www.amsea.org/training
Courses include fishing vessel first aid, marine safety, and drill conductor certification.
Mariculture Resources — Alaska Mariculture Alliance
Website: https://www.alaskamariculture.org/
Access industry tools, training programs, and event listings focused on seaweed and shellfish farming.
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)
Website: https://www.alaskaseafood.org/industry/#meetings-events
Provides industry data, marketing resources, sustainability education, and access to meetings and committee updates that guide the direction of Alaska seafood globally.
Seafood Accelerator & Innovation Lab (SAIL) — Local Catch Network
Website: https://localcatch.org/seafood-accelerator-innovation-lab/
Offers mentorship and training for small- to mid-scale fishing operations involved in direct-marketing or regional seafood systems. Includes modules on accounting, business structure, financing, and marketing.
Deckhand Logbook — Digital Tool for Vessel Operations
Website: https://deckhandlogbook.com/
A cloud-based system for tracking trip data, gear use, crew hours, and communicating with processors or shore teams. Helps digitize record-keeping and improve accountability.
Fisheries Management & Industry Meetings
Alaska Board of Fisheries Meetings
Website: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.meetinginfo
Opportunity to submit public comment or attend meetings influencing regional fishery regulations.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council Meetings
Website: https://www.npfmc.org/current-or-next-council-meeting/
Discusses policy issues such as catch limits, habitat protection, and bycatch management. Remote participation often available.
International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Meetings
Website: https://www.iphc.int/meetings/calendar/
Covers halibut stock assessments, quota announcements, and industry recommendations for a shared U.S./Canada resource.
Local Industry Groups & Education Centers
Stay connected with local organizations offering classes, resources, and community events. Here are a few examples in our Homer, Alaska community:
-
North Pacific Fisheries Association (NPFA)
https://www.npfafish.org/ -
Homer Marine Trades Association
https://www.homermarinetrades.com/ -
Kenai Peninsula College — Marine Technology Program
https://kpc.alaska.edu/academics/areas-of-study/marine-technology/
These organizations frequently host workshops, trainings, and provide local networking opportunities.
Fishing Community Non-Profits
Commercial Fishermen for Bristol Bay
Website: https://www.fishermenforbristolbay.org/
Advocacy and community action supporting sustainable salmon fisheries in Bristol Bay.
Hear Fishermen’s Stories
Galley Stories Podcast
Website: https://www.galleystories.org/
Featuring firsthand accounts from fishermen — an inspiring off-season listen.
Bering Sea Barometer (KUCB)
Website: https://www.kucb.org/show/bering-sea-barometer
A weekly industry update hosted by Pete Neaton, with fisheries news from the Aleutians and Bering Sea.
FisherPoets Gathering — Feb 27–Mar 1 (Astoria, OR)
Website: http://www.fisherpoets.org/
A creative celebration of commercial fishing through poetry, song, and storytelling.
The Fish Ticket Newsletter — Stay Informed on Alaska’s Fishing Beat
Website: https://www.alaskaboat.com/blog/
This newsletter from Alaska Boat News delivers timely updates on Alaska’s fisheries: fleet developments, permit trends, market shifts, gear innovations, and policy highlights.
If you’re looking to stay plugged in between seasons and want a digestible weekly or monthly overview of what’s happening in the Alaska fishing world, “The Fish Ticket” is a solid resource.
Advice From an Alaskan Fisherman (our dad):
We asked our dad, a lifelong fisherman, what advice he would give people looking to enrich their fishing career in the off-season, whether they're a deckhand or running their own boat.
He said, "if you are a deckhand, ask yourself, what can I do to be more useful?" Find ways to increase your skillset for the job you want – be it mechanical knowledge, getting savvy with electronics, fiberglass work, net mending, or electrical skills. Find local opportunities, take time to teach yourself or learn from experts in the trade.
"If you are a young boat owner, develop your understanding of book-keeping and accounting, a solid business plan and projections for the coming season. Challenge yourself to have the discipline to use AI, Youtube and informative podcasts as tools to learn everything from tax and legal questions to market research to fixing your engine, instead of scrolling on social media."
Some real Dad Advice - take it or leave it! We hope this round-up of resources gives you a good place to dig in and expand your skill-set, knowledge and know-how. Cheering everybody on as they embark on new ventures and expand their horizons on and off the water.