AKBiz Magazine
By Dimitria Lavrakas
February 2024
Crew training aims to hook a new generation
Thirty years ago, all a young person needed to fish commercially was a boat, some gear, and a sense of adventure. According to the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), young fishermen today face staggering entry costs, high operating costs, and a level of risk that is equivalent to buying a starter hotel.
ALFA is committed to helping interested persons enter the industry. Through a variety of programs, it’s helping the next generation of commercial fishermen launch and sustain viable businesses.