The seafood industry is Alaska’s largest private sector employer, and is experiencing a decline in young entrants, leading to a “greying” fleet. To address this, the Alaska Sustainable Fishery Trust’s (ASFT) Crew Apprentice Program provides vocational training to rural residents in Southeast communities like Sitka, Angoon, and Kake, aiming to train at least 500 individuals. This initiative is vital to maintain the socioeconomic health of coastal Alaska, ensuring a future workforce for its vital fisheries.
In 2023, ASFT partnered with the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) to train and place twelve young apprentices on commercial fishing vessels, with eight more from the previous season continuing their development. ALFA/ASFT also secured funding from the Young Fishermen Development Act to expand training programs within the region and across the state. By offering safe entry pathways into commercial fisheries, the program not only creates local jobs and builds the resident workforce but also contributes to the long-term health and prosperity of the region.
The Crew Apprentice Program is managed by SEC within the Southeast Alaska Sustainable Strategy (SASS) Program.
