Opportunities abound for young fishermen and mariners hoping to get started in the industry or to refine their skills and advance their careers on the water. Here's a roundup of spring events, classes, ongoing learning opportunities and ways to get involved in Alaska's fisheries this season.
Stay Up to Date
For seafood news and resources, visit Alaska Fishermen's Network and get updates from Alaska Fish Radio and National Fishermen Magazine.
Sign up for Alaska Fish Notes emails to get all the news to your inbox (send an email to Tom Gemmell gemmell@gci.net to be added to the list).
Sign up for The Fish Ticket newsletter, put together by Alaska Boats and Permits for a weekly market report to your inbox each Thursday.
For more industry news, check in with www.seafoodsource.com, www.alaskaseafood.org, and www.aboutseafood.com.
Create a Business Plan
FishBiz - Financial and business tools for Alaska seafood commercial harvesters.
Get a LoanState of Alaska Commercial Fishing Loan Program - The Alaska Division of Economic Development offers loan programs intended to promote participation in resident fisheries with programs for quota, vessels, gear and more. Alaska residents can use this website as a guide to apply and obtain low interest loans needed to keep their business running smoothly.
Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank - Modeled after the Federal Farm Credit System, CFAB is a tool to bring outside capital into the local seafood community by financing Alaska fishing businesses. On this website you can find commercial fishing, agriculture and business loan applications, financial management resources and related news articles.
Get Educated
Alaska Longline Fisherman’s Association – Crew Training Program
AVTEC Alaska Maritime Training Center
Kodiak College Maritime Workforce Development
Kachemak Bay Campus - Master 100 Ton/OUPV
UAA Kachemak Bay Campus – Fisheries Technology Program
UAF Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
UAS Sitka Fisheries Technology Program
UAS Ketchikan USCG Approved Marine Oiler Program
UAS Ketchikan Welding and Fabrication
UAS Ketchikan Marine Transportation Program
iWorkWise HAZWOPER Instructor-Led Training
iWorkWise Online 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher
Alaska Boats & Permits Halibut & Sablefish IFQ Guide
Apply for a Scholarship
Homer Marine Trades - Assistance offered for KPC Maritime Technology course registrations.
Attend an Industry Event
Boston Seafood Show - Attend North America's largest seafood event, March 12-14 in Boston, MA. Sample new seafood products and learn about new processing trends and techniques.
ComFish Expo - Attend March 16-18 in Kodiak, Alaska. The expo promotes and protects the common interest of Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, as a vital component of Alaska’s social and economic well-being.
Connect with Fellow Fishermen
Read a Bristol Baybes Zine, full of stories from the fishing women of Bristol Bay.
Follow Alaska Commercial Fisherman Jobs Facebook page for deckhand positions for the upcoming fishing season.
