FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12th 2020
Contact: Tara Racine, ALFA, 907-747-3400, alfa.outreach@gmail.com
Local Fishing Group Seeks Applicants for Crew Training Program
The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), a Sitka-based fishing group, is seeking applicants for its Crew Training Program. Through a safe and well-guided entry level experience, the program aims to provide young people an opportunity to gain experience in, as well as an understanding of, commercial fishing and its importance to supporting coastal communities.
ALFA is thrilled to announce the expansion of our Crew Training Program for the 2020 season. Formalized as part of ALFA’s Young Fishermen Initiative in 2015, in late 2017 ALFA was awarded a $142,000 national grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to increase more deckhands statewide. In 2019 ALFA was awarded several additional grants to support this program from groups including the Edgerton Foundation, the City and Borough of Sitka, the Alaska Community Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. ALFA is very grateful for the support of these organizations and from our community. According to NFWF, “the work funded by these grants will result in improved management that strengthens the welfare of fishermen and local communities, promoting healthy fish stocks and healthy fisheries.”
Last year the program had over 110 local, national, and international applicants, but ALFA continues to put an emphasis on building economic opportunities in southeast Alaska. Annually about 10-15 deckhand finalists are hired by participating skippers and make it onto the water. ALFA continues to strive for an increase in the number of participating trained deckhands, skippers, and fishing vessels each year. As Executive Director of ALFA, Linda Behnken explains, “With support from NFWF, we plan to expand the program to include more boats, crew, and communities.”
Lea LeGardeur, a crew alumni of the training program, says of her experience in the program: “Beyond giving me an entry point into an industry that I otherwise would have had a harder getting into…the skippers in the program all wanted to teach, and sign up to take greenhorns so they could pass on what they know.” Linda Behnken further explains, “Giving young people an introduction to Alaska's commercial fisheries will help sustain our fishing communities and create the next generation of resource stewards.”
ALFA is seeking deckhand applicants to head out fishing this season. Crewmember application period is currently open and will close February 28th, 2020. Applicants must be over 18 years of age. Application information can be found at http://www.alfafish.org/crewtraining/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12th 2020
Contact: Tara Racine, ALFA, 907-747-3400, alfa.outreach@gmail.com
Local Fishing Group Seeks Applicants for Crew Training Program
The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), a Sitka-based fishing group, is seeking applicants for its Crew Training Program. Through a safe and well-guided entry level experience, the program aims to provide young people an opportunity to gain experience in, as well as an understanding of, commercial fishing and its importance to supporting coastal communities.
ALFA is thrilled to announce the expansion of our Crew Training Program for the 2020 season. Formalized as part of ALFA’s Young Fishermen Initiative in 2015, in late 2017 ALFA was awarded a $142,000 national grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to increase more deckhands statewide. In 2019 ALFA was awarded several additional grants to support this program from groups including the Edgerton Foundation, the City and Borough of Sitka, the Alaska Community Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. ALFA is very grateful for the support of these organizations and from our community. According to NFWF, “the work funded by these grants will result in improved management that strengthens the welfare of fishermen and local communities, promoting healthy fish stocks and healthy fisheries.”
Last year the program had over 110 local, national, and international applicants, but ALFA continues to put an emphasis on building economic opportunities in southeast Alaska. Annually about 10-15 deckhand finalists are hired by participating skippers and make it onto the water. ALFA continues to strive for an increase in the number of participating trained deckhands, skippers, and fishing vessels each year. As Executive Director of ALFA, Linda Behnken explains, “With support from NFWF, we plan to expand the program to include more boats, crew, and communities.”
Lea LeGardeur, a crew alumni of the training program, says of her experience in the program: “Beyond giving me an entry point into an industry that I otherwise would have had a harder getting into…the skippers in the program all wanted to teach, and sign up to take greenhorns so they could pass on what they know.” Linda Behnken further explains, “Giving young people an introduction to Alaska's commercial fisheries will help sustain our fishing communities and create the next generation of resource stewards.”
ALFA is seeking deckhand applicants to head out fishing this season. Crewmember application period is currently open and will close February 28th, 2020. Applicants must be over 18 years of age. Application information can be found at http://www.alfafish.org/crewtraining/.