A Guide to Fishermen Training Programs
Abstract
Commercial fishing is a culturally and economically important industry in coastal regions across the United States. During the past 30 years, the average age of commercial fishermen has increased substantially. This trend is commonly referred to as the “graying of the fleet” and is attributed to a substantial decrease in the number of new commercial fishermen entering the industry. Fishermen training programs can provide the infrastructure needed to encourage new entrants into this sector, including training and matching entrants with captains. However, no comprehensive lists of these programs previously existed. Therefore, we sought to collect information on existing commercial fishermen training programs across the U.S. Given the increased popularity of recreational fishing, aquaculture, and stewardship, we also included information on these types of training programs. We first performed a Google search to identify existing programs. Then, we entered program information into an online database, contacted program organizers to obtain additional information and insight, and mapped program locations. We identified a total of 38 programs. Program activity spans from 1981 to present, but 42 percent of programs were created in the last 5 years. The numbers of commercial versus aquaculture programs are nearly equal, followed by the number of recreational programs. Eight programs are intended for all sectors or more than one sector. Programs are located in most of the coastal and Great Lakes states. Specifically, 32 percent of programs are located along the Atlantic Coast, 29 percent along the Gulf Coast, 13 percent around the Great Lakes, 18 percent in Alaska, and 3 percent along the continental U.S. Pacific Coast. Currently, no training programs exist in New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, or Minnesota. Our findings illustrate that, while a wide variety of fishermen training programs exist, additional efforts are still needed in specific regions.
How to Use This Guide
This list of programs is current as of January 1, 2022.
A map is provided as a visual aid in identifying the location(s) of each program. The program locations are color-coded based on type: blue = saltwater, violet = freshwater, and green = aquaculture. Some portions of the map have been removed because we found no existing programs in those regions.
The guide provides detailed information for each program. The guide is organized into national and state categories, where national programs are found together and the states are organized in alphabetical order. The program names are color-coded by type: blue = saltwater, violet = freshwater, green = aquaculture, and gray = saltwater and aquaculture. The gray category represents the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) and the National Shellfish Initiative, which are neither solely saltwater nor aquaculture, but both. (Note: These instructions apply only to the print version of this publication; see the PDF linked to this page.) Note that MREP is not represented on the map. Appendix 1 contains insights and suggestions from program organizers for people intending to create fishermen training programs.
Map of Fishermen Training Programs in the United States
Marine Resource Education Program
Mission Statement/Goal: “By fishermen, for fishermen” — A fishermen-lead program where the goal is to empower fishermen with a better understanding of how, when, and where to engage in fisheries management effectively
Funding Source(s): Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Location(s): Varies by region — Maine and Maryland (Greater Atlantic), Florida (Southeast), California and Oregon (West Coast), Puerto Rico (Caribbean), Maine and Louisiana (Aquaculture), and Virginia (East Coast)
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Organizer(s) Name(s): Lauren O’Brien
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2003 to present
Prerequisites: The program accepts fishermen first but is open to everyone.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 30
Duration (Classroom and Field): Three-day sequenced workshops (attendance is not required for all workshops)
Sector(s): Commercial, recreational, and aquaculture
Cost: Free
Unique Features: There are multiple programs across the United States and Caribbean, where each is individualized for its region: Greater Atlantic, Southeast, West Coast, Caribbean, and aquaculture. The program was founded by fishermen and is led by a steering committee in each region made up of fishermen who have previously participated in the workshops.
https://www.gmri.org/projects/marine-resource-education-program-mrep/
National Shellfish Initiative
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide overarching guidelines, goals, and strategic plans for the state to maximize the economic, environmental, and social benefits of shellfish resources, built with input from shellfish stakeholders across the state
Funding Source(s): National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NOAA, and additional funds that vary by location
Location(s): Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Gulf of Mexico, Washington, Oregon, and California
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): The Nature Conservancy, NOAA Fisheries, and some that vary by location: the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, the Massachusetts Aquaculture Association, and others
Organizer(s) Name(s): Stephanie Westby (Northeast)
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (301) 427-8677;
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2013 to present
Prerequisites: N/A
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: Varies by state
Duration (Classroom and Field): Varies by state
Sector(s): Commercial, recreational, and aquaculture
Cost: Free
Unique Features: There are multiple programs across the United States and Caribbean, where each is individualized for its region or sector: Greater Atlantic, Southeast, West Coast, East Coast, Caribbean, and aquaculture. The program was founded by fishermen and is led by a steering committee in each region made up of fishermen who have previously participated in the workshops.
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/content/national-shellfish-initiative
Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences Training Programs
Mission Statement/Goal: To advance the boundaries of aquatic sciences, train the next generation of leaders in the field, and help address the needs of citizens of the state, nation, and world by providing research, teaching, and Extension programs
Funding Source(s): N/A
Location(s): Varies by course
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences
Organizer(s) Name(s): Allen Davis
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (334) 844-4786;
Frequency: Based upon interest of groups
Year Range Running: 10+ years
Prerequisites: N/A
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: Varies, maximum of 50
Duration (Classroom and Field): Varies (1- to 3-week and 4- to 16-week courses available)
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: Dependent upon number of participants, length of program, travel, and program content
Unique Features: Training programs are customized to fit the needs of program participants.
https://agriculture.auburn.edu/research/faas/
Certification for Aquaculture Professionals (CAP, Auburn University)
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide training and certification for aquaculture professionals that allows them to excel in their jobs with a deeper understanding of the environment, food safety, animal welfare, animal health, and social responsibility
Funding Source(s): N/A
Location(s): Auburn, Alabama
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Auburn College of Agriculture, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences
Organizer(s) Name(s): Auburn College of Agriculture
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (334) 844-2345;
Frequency: N/A
Year Range Running: 10+ years
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites, but the program is geared toward those who wish to continue their education in aquaculture.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 50
Duration (Classroom and Field): Dependent upon the interest of the applicant(s) and the number of certifications needed
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: Dependent on number of certifications; discounts for large groups available (range $4,000 to $6,000)
Unique Features: On-site practical training sessions by internationally recognized experts will be designed with each training group based on its specific needs. Certification lasts for 3 years. Upon certification completion, each participant will have access to the CAP community, which offers several ongoing educational resources.
https://agriculture.auburn.edu/research/faas/cap/
OVPRED 500 — Zebrafish Husbandry Education Online Course
Mission Statement/Goal: To teach husbandry, facilities management, and basic animal health care for zebrafish used in biomedical research
Funding Source(s): University of Alabama-Birmingham, Zebrafish Husbandry Association
Location(s): Alabama (online)
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): University of Alabama-Birmingham
Organizer(s) Name(s): Dr. Hugh Hammer
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Three times per year starting in January, May, and August
Year Range Running: 2014 to present
Prerequisites: N/A
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): 15 weeks
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: N/A
Unique Features: This course includes presentations, quizzes, and case studies focused on the biology and physiology of zebrafish, how to achieve optimal water quality, aquatic systems/filtration, spawning and larviculture, nutrition, feeding, diseases, regulations, and more.
https://prostudies.uab.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=4607518
Oyster Farming Fundamentals Course
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide students with the practical training needed to successfully operate an off-bottom oyster farm
Funding Source(s): Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium
Location(s): Auburn Shellfish Laboratory (Dauphin Island, Alabama)
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Auburn Shellfish Laboratory, and Dauphin Island Sea Lab
Organizer(s) Name(s): Rusty Grice
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2015 to 2018
Prerequisites: Applicants must be at least 18 and submit an application by March. Applicants must reside in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson Counties of Mississippi or in southern Alabama, or they must attend Alma Bryant High School in southern Alabama. Applicants must obtain valid seafood permits and driver’s licenses.
Age Range of Participants: Juniors/seniors at Alma Bryant High School or 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 15 to 25
Duration (Classroom and Field): Five Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: $250, but starting a farm could exceed $25,000
Unique Features: Students receive 10,000 oyster seeds to begin their own farm and receive access to Grand Bay Oyster Park for a year.
https://agriculture.auburn.edu/research/faas/auburn-shellfish-lab/extension/
Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association’s Crew Training Program
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide young people with an opportunity to gain experience and to better understand commercial fishing, the lifestyle it provides, and its important role in supporting coastal communities
Funding Source(s): Alaska Sea Grant, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Edgerton Foundation, City and Borough of Sitka, and Alaska Community Foundation
Location(s): Alaska
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association
Organizer(s) Name(s): Tara Racine and Natalie Sattler
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected] and [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2015 to present
Prerequisites: Participants should have an interest in pursuing a career in commercial fishing.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: Varies
Duration (Classroom and Field): 4 to 12 months, but shorter experiences available
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Free; deckhands compensated for their time
Unique Features: This program can be tailored to a short-term experience for those who can’t commit to a whole fishing season.
https://www.alfafish.org/crewtraining
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) — Safety and Survival Training
Mission Statement/Goal: To reduce injury and death in the marine and freshwater environment by providing mariners engaged in commercial and noncommercial activities with hands-on safety and survival training needed to respond to onboard emergencies
Funding Source(s): Dependent on program
Location(s): Varies by program and year
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA), Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, United States Coast Guard, and others
Organizer(s) Name(s): AMSEA
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (907) 747-3287
Frequency: Varies by program; most offered several times per year
Year Range Running: 1985 to present
Prerequisites: Workshops are recommended for captains and crew members serving on any commercial vessel.
Age Range of Participants: Youth/adults
Average Number of Participants per Course: 8+
Duration (Classroom and Field): Dependent on training (1 to 2 days on average)
Sector(s): Commercial and recreational
Cost: Varies with training type and location ($125 to $185 for commercial fisherman training)
Unique Features: This program includes many different safety-training programs for different people, including youth, adults, mariners, recreational fishermen, and teachers. Scholarships may be available for certain workshops to help alleviate cost.
Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide networking and skill building for new entrants in managing modern commercial fishing businesses
Funding Source(s): Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program
Location(s): Alaska
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Alaska Sea Grant and University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Organizer(s) Name(s): Sunny Rice
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2007 to present
Prerequisites: N/A
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 50
Duration (Classroom and Field): 3 days
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Non-Alaskan commercial fishermen, $200 ($225 for later registration); Alaskan commercial fishermen, $150 ($175 for later registration)
Unique Features: The program offers a free drill conductor class for commercial fishermen.
https://alaskaseagrant.org/events/alaska-young-fishermens-summit/
Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy
Mission Statement/Goal: Prepares young local leaders by equipping them with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to be conservation advocates in their communities and to link visitors to the salmon and trout conservation issues in the region
Funding Source(s): NOAA Fisheries, Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC), Alaska Fly Fishers, and more (see Resources section below)
Location(s): Alaska
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): NOAA Fisheries and University of Alaska Bristol Bay Campus
Organizer(s) Name(s): Meghan Barker
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2008 to present
Prerequisites: The program is reserved for, but not limited to, Bristol Bay residents and BBNC shareholders and descendants.
Age Range of Participants: 14 to 24
Average Number of Participants per Course: 10 to 15
Duration (Classroom and Field): 1 week
Sector(s): Recreational
Cost: Free for students; sponsors pay for the academy
Unique Features: The graduates are qualified for introductory jobs (local lodges, tourism-based businesses, etc.) but can also participate in an apprenticeship program instead of being immediately hired.
https://bristolbayriveracademy.org/history/
https://bristolbayriveracademy.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/bbraguidebook-e-2012.pdf
FishBiz Project
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide financial and business tools to Alaskan fishermen through free online resources
Funding Source(s): Alaska Sea Grant
Location(s): Alaska
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Organizer(s) Name(s): UAF or Sunny Rice
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected] or [email protected]
Frequency: Online; can be taken at any point
Year Range Running: 2015 to present
Prerequisites: N/A
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: No limit
Duration (Classroom and Field): All online and at own pace
Sector(s): Intended for commercial, but any businessperson can participate
Cost: Free
Unique Features: The website has steps for starting, growing, and managing a business, as well as planning for the fishermen’s future.
http://fishbiz.seagrant.uaf.edu/
University of Alaska Southeast Applied Fisheries Program
Mission Statement/Goal: To develop programs to meet the growing need for fisheries technicians and fisheries biologists
Funding Source(s): National Science Foundation
Location(s): Sitka, Alaska
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka Campus
Organizer(s) Name(s): Angie Bower
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2021 to present
Prerequisites: Must register as nondegree/degree-seeking student at the University of Alaska Southeast
Age Range of Participants: 18 to 28
Average Number of Participants per Course: 5 to 10
Duration (Classroom and Field): One semester
Sector(s): Commercial and aquaculture
Cost: $1,300 for 13-credit course; students responsible for lodging, meals, and travel
Unique Features: Available courses cover disciplines such as oceanography, fish biology, Alaskan fisheries management, and aquaculture, and courses can be completed online.
https://uas.alaska.edu/career_ed/fisheries/index.html#tab2
Young Fishing Fellows Program
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide valuable learning, leadership, and career-building skills with opportunities in fisheries management and policy, seafood business, seafood marketing, and fisheries
Funding Source(s): Alaska Fishermen’s Network and some that vary by year: Copper River/Prince William Sound Marketing Association, Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Homer Charter Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, North Pacific Fisheries Association, Alaska Fishermen’s Network, Catch 49, and others
Location(s): Alaska
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Alaska Fishermen’s Network
Organizer(s) Name(s): Alasha Brito
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2017 to present
Prerequisites: Any Alaskan resident can participate, but priority goes to those who are under 40, have at least 3 years of experience, and are active crew members or skippers or permit/quota holders.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: Depends on how many hosts (captains or companies willing to take on a fellow) sign up per year (four in 2020)
Duration (Classroom and Field): 4 to 12 months
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Free; fellows are paid a stipend
Unique Features: Fellows must cohost one or two outreach events; current and former participants are on the steering committee.
https://www.akyoungfishermen.org/young-fishing-fellows
California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program
Mission Statement/Goal: To make California commercial fisheries more resilient by training fishermen as they enter fisheries, thereby supporting economically, ecologically and socially sustainable fisheries
Funding Source(s): California Sea Grant, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NOAA, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation
Location(s): San Diego, California (hopes to extend to Santa Barbara and Eureka)
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): University of California-San Diego, San Diego commercial fishermen’s groups, and California Sea Grant
Organizer(s) Name(s): Theresa Talley
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual to biannual
Year Range Running: 2020 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must acquire a licensed commercial fisherman sponsor, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a swim test, observe on one commercial fishing trip, and be approved of at-sea fitness.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: Five
Duration (Classroom and Field): 6 to 12 months consisting of 100 hours of training; then, paired with a veteran fisherman for 1,000 hours of paid on-the-job training
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: $500 to $1,000, but scholarships often available
Unique Features: Most of the program is paid on-the-job training with a paired veteran fishing crew.
https://caseagrant.ucsd.edu/sites/default/files/CCFAP%20Manual%201st%20Edition.pdf
Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Certification
Mission Statement/Goal: To work with fishing guides to enhance the preservation of Florida’s fisheries through sustainable boating and fishing techniques and to provide a richer fishing experience for the clients through the fishing guides’ angling expertise and environmental stewardship
Funding Source(s): Florida Sea Grant, CaddyCan, Sport Fish Restoration, and University of Florida
Location(s): Florida
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Organizer(s) Name(s): Mike Sipos
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Fully online; can be taken at any point
Year Range Running: 2019 to present
Prerequisites: These vary depending on course type but include a captain’s license, USCG safety requirements, vessel registration, etc.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: No limit (web-based)
Duration (Classroom and Field): 4 hours (20- to 30-minute increments)
Sector(s): Recreational
Cost: $130
Unique Features: The program is fully online and helps current Florida fishermen’s small and local businesses.
https://www.flseagrant.org/florida-friendly-fishing-guide-certification/
Sharks Aquaculture Life Training (SALT)
Mission Statement/Goal: To work with juniors and seniors at Cedar Key High School so they can become certified in industrial aquaculture upon graduation. This course provides them with business, aquaculture, and other related skills needed for the industry
Funding Source(s): Florida Aquaculture Association
Location(s): Cedar Key, Florida
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, Cedar Key High School, Migrant Education Program, Florida Aquaculture Association, and University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension
Organizer(s) Name(s): University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension and Florida Aquaculture Association
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (352) 543-5057;
[email protected] or [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2018 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must work for 300 hours on an aquaculture farm, take the Florida Aquaculture Association Industry certification test, take safety skills courses, and pass background checks.
Age Range of Participants: Juniors and seniors at Cedar Key High School
Average Number of Participants per Course: Four to six students
Duration (Classroom and Field): 2 years
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: Free
Unique Features: This program requires 300 work hours on an aquaculture farm, is designed for high school students, and permits the students to run their own clam farm. To obtain certification, students must register and pass the FAA exam. The cost of registration is $95 (https://www.flaa.org/certification-information).
https://sites.google.com/levyk12.org/salt/home
Teach Aquaculture
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide teachers’ curriculum modules on aquaculture and aquatic sciences
Funding Source(s): Previously funded by Florida Department of Agriculture and Community Services, but varies by year
Location(s): Varies by participant; course PDF is downloadable
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Indian River Research and Education Center
Organizer(s) Name(s): Dr. Cortney Ohs
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (772) 577-7348; [email protected]
Frequency: N/A
Year Range Running: 2008 to present
Prerequisites: Training modules were designed for teacher curriculum use.
Age Range of Participants: Not specified
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): N/A
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: Free
Unique Features: Teaching modules have been written at a 9th-grade level but are highly adaptable to grades K-12.
https://irrec.ifas.ufl.edu/teach-aquaculture/
Basic Commercial Fisherman Program
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide students at McIntosh County Academy with courses on how to be a successful fisherman
Funding Source(s): Georgia Sea Grant
Location(s): McIntosh, Georgia
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): University of Georgia Marine Extension, Georgia Sea Grant, Coastal Pines Technical College (Dual Enrollment), and McIntosh County Academy
Organizer(s) Name(s): Bryan Fluech
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2019 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must currently be enrolled in McIntosh County Academy in Georgia and achieve passing placement scores in reading, English, and mathematics.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): 12 credit hours total
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Coastal Pines tuition costs
Unique Features: This program is for those who want to begin a career in commercial fishing and covers subjects that will better prepare participants to serve as a crew member aboard a commercial fishing vessel. Participants are exposed to a variety of gear, including trawls, cast nets, hook and line, and traps.
Education and Training — Lake Michigan Fisheries Workshops
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide information on research, fish populations, food webs, and the environmental components of Lake Michigan to local anglers within Illinois and Indiana
Funding Source(s): Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Location(s): Illinois and Indiana
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Purdue University Extension, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, and others (see Resources section)
Organizer(s) Name(s): Mitchell Zischke
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Multiple workshops throughout the fall and spring
Year Range Running: 2017 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must obtain a fishing license for Illinois or Indiana.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 25
Duration (Classroom and Field): 1 day
Sector(s): Commercial and recreational
Cost: Free
Unique Features: The workshops are offered at convenient times and locations for fishermen (out of season, nighttime, near docks, etc.).
https://iiseagrant.org/work/fisheries/education-training/
Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit
Mission Statement/Goal: To help fishermen understand the “science” of fishing, business trends, new technologies and equipment, and regulatory rules and policies that lead to financial success
Funding Source(s): Louisiana Seafood, Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, Louisiana Crab Task Force, and Louisiana’s Seafood Future
Location(s): Louisiana
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Louisiana Sea Grant, Louisiana State University AgCenter, and the Department of Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
Organizer(s) Name(s): Thomas Hymel
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Every 2 years
Year Range Running: 2010 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must be interested in fisheries.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 100
Duration (Classroom and Field): 1 day
Sector(s): Commercial and recreational
Cost: Free
Unique Features: The program offers information about a variety of subjects: commercial fishing, crabbing, shrimping, business, seafood, etc.
https://www.lafisheriesforward.org/
Aquaculture in Shared Waters
Mission Statement/Goal: To prepare fishermen to start an aquaculture venture with a focus on understanding the attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of fishermen with respect to change
Funding Source(s): National Sea Grant Program
Location(s): Maine
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): University of Maine School of Marine Sciences, Maine Sea Grant, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Aquaculture Association, Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, Coastal Enterprises Inc., and the Island Institute
Organizer(s) Name(s): Dana Morse
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (207) 563-8186;
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2013 to present
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites, but the program is geared toward working waterfront family members.
Age Range of Participants: Varies
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): 12 Weeks
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: Free
Unique Features: This program covers a wide range of topics and uses a mix of meetings, field trips/site visits, and guest speakers and experts in the field to introduce students to the issues important to running a successful aquaculture business.
https://seagrant.umaine.edu/extension/aquaculture-in-shared-waters/
Eastern Maine Skippers Program
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide high school students with the core knowledge and skills needed to participate in coastal fisheries
Funding Source(s): Local businesses
Location(s): Southeastern Maine
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
Organizer(s) Name(s): Tom Duym
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (207) 610-0213;
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2012 to present
Prerequisites: Prerequisites are dependent on the participating school.
Age Range of Participants: High school (grades 9 to 12)
Average Number of Participants per Course: 60 to 100
Duration (Classroom and Field): Dependent on school
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Dependent on program; generally no cost for tuition, but participants may incur some associated costs for travel
Unique Features: Students must complete an intensive group or individual project in which they work collaboratively with community fishermen, scientists, regulators, and related businesses to investigate challenges within the fishing industry. They then research, develop, and present effective solutions.
https://coastalfisheries.org/collaborative-education/eastern-maine-skippers/
Maine’s Lobster Apprentice Program “FISH SAFE”
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide Maine’s lobster commercial fishermen with the safety training required by the U.S. Coast Guard and any extra safety skills needed to safely operate as a commercial fisheries vessel and crew
Funding Source(s): Maine Department of Marine Resources
Location(s): Maine
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): NOAA Fisheries and Maine Department of Marine Resources
Organizer(s) Name(s): Ann Backus
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 1998 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must meet the eligibility for the lobster license (LD 1503).
Age Range of Participants: 18 to 23
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): 1,000 hours over 200 days stretched out over 2 years
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Free
Unique Features: Fishermen must follow specific rules and regulations that vary by fishing zone.
https://www.maine.gov/dmr/science-research/species/lobster/limitedentry.html
Cape Cod Fishermen Training Program
Mission Statement/Goal: A fishing program that is driven by the community’s needs and is meant to be the place to start a fishing career by providing professional certifications through training from respected, knowledgeable captains and certified trainers
Funding Source(s): Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance
Location(s): Massachusetts
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance
Organizer(s) Name(s): Stephanie Sykes
Organizer(s) Contact Info:
Frequency: Biannual
Year Range Running: 2020 to present
Prerequisites: N/A
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): Two sessions per course (January-February and February-March)
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Free
Unique Features: The program provides professional certifications to be used in any maritime career, not just by captains.
https://capecodfishermen.org/item/fishermen-s-training-program
Extreme Gloucester Fishing
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide professional training in sustainable fishing practices and assist with job placement within the fishing community
Funding Source(s): Extreme Gloucester Fishing and limited donations from local fishermen
Location(s): Gloucester, Massachusetts
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Extreme Gloucester Fishing and Maritime Gloucester
Organizer(s) Name(s): Joseph Sanfilippo
Organizer(s) Contact Info: (978) 879-3577;
Frequency: Biannual
Year Range Running: 2019 to present
Prerequisites: None
Age Range of Participants: 16 to 25
Average Number of Participants per Course: 7 to 21
Duration (Classroom and Field): Varies upon request for training
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Free
Unique Features: This program is designed for students to become deck bosses and first mates with an emphasis on how to work up the employment ladder. The program is almost exclusively self-funded and is still in its infancy, but it is quickly gaining popularity. It is the only one of its kind in the region. This modularized program allows flexibility to accommodate student needs, and private, one-on-one hands-on training is available upon request.
https://www.extremegloucesterfishing.com/classes
Fundamentals of Shellfish Farming
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide the knowledge needed to operate a productive shellfish farm
Funding Source(s): Woods Hole Sea Grant and Cooperative Extension of Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Location(s): Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Woods Hole Sea Grant and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Organizer(s) Name(s): Abigail Archer
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2000 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must be interested in starting/learning about shellfish farms.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): 10 weeks
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: $75
Unique Features: Certification is awarded upon completion of an exam with a score of 80+. It is issued by the Southeastern Massachusetts Aquaculture Center (SEMAC).
https://www.capecodextension.org/marine/workshops/
Project FISH
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide fishing education and skills to interested adults and youths from Michigan
Funding Source(s): Great Lakes Fisheries Trust
Location(s): Michigan
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Project F.I.S.H. Partners
Organizer(s) Name(s): Michigan State University, Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation, and Resource Studies, the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University Extension, and Michigan United Conservation Clubs
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected] or [email protected]
Frequency: Multiple workshops throughout the year
Year Range Running: 1998 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must be interested in learning about the Great Lakes fisheries.
Age Range of Participants: Children and adults
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): Weekends or 3-hour sessions
Sector(s): Recreational
Cost: Free
Unique Features: This is a mentor-based, community-supported program.
http://www.projectfish.org/index.html
Off-Bottom Oyster Farming Fundamentals Course
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide oyster farmers in Mississippi with a foundation of knowledge to start and/or improve their oyster farm operation
Funding Source(s): Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and RESTORE-Act Project
Location(s): Bolton Building, Biloxi, Mississippi
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
Organizer(s) Name(s): Jason Rider
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2020 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must complete the application by March; reside in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson Counties; be 18 or older; have a valid boat registration; have a valid Mississippi driver’s license; and attend the information session. Priority goes to applicants with commercial seafood licenses.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 15
Duration (Classroom and Field): Five Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: Free
Unique Features: Applicants receive 10,000 oyster seeds and access to Deer Island Oyster Park for 1 year.
https://dmr.ms.gov/oboa-training-program/
Fishermen Invested in Science, Healthy Ecosystems, and Sustainability (FISHES)
Mission Statement/Goal: To extend practical, science-based information about fisheries management, fisheries science, and sustainability to fish enthusiasts in a user-friendly format
Funding Source(s): Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and Mississippi State University
Location(s): Biloxi, Mississippi
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and Mississippi State University
Organizer(s) Name(s): Marcus Drymon
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2021 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must be involved in commercial and/or recreational fishing and interested in learning more about fisheries management, fisheries science, and sustainability.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 12
Duration (Classroom and Field): 5 Thursday nights for 2 hours plus a 5-hour field trip
Sector(s): Commercial, recreational, and aquaculture
Cost: $50
Unique Features: This course is designed to illustrate the union of fisheries management and fisheries science using specific examples from Mississippi and Alabama.
https://coastal.msstate.edu/fisheries-fishes
Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH)
Mission Statement/Goal: To educate stakeholders of New Jersey’s marine fisheries on the science, management, and responsible stewardship of fishery resources so that they are better prepared to make progress on, and get involved with, issues impacting their industry
Funding Source(s): Alampi Fund from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Location(s): New Jersey
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Organizer(s) Name(s): Doug Zemeckis
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2018 to present
Prerequisites: N/A
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 70
Duration (Classroom and Field): 8 to 10 weeks
Sector(s): Recreational
Cost: $60
Unique Features: The program takes a hybrid approach and is offered as a “night school” to increase attendance.
https://ocean.njaes.rutgers.edu/marine/IFISSH.html
Fish Camp: North Carolina Sea Grant’s Young Fisher Training
Mission Statement/Goal: To engage participants in conversations about why fishermen and fishing matter, to share visions for the future of their industry, and to discuss how they can shape their values and principles into messages that the public and policymakers understand and respect
Funding Source(s): Varies by year
Location(s): North Carolina
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): North Carolina Sea Grant
Organizer(s) Name(s): Katelyn Vause or Sara Mirabilio
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Biannually, dependent upon funding
Year Range Running: 2018 to present
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites, but the workshop is geared toward North Carolina fishermen.
Age Range of Participants: 17+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 25
Duration (Classroom and Field): 3 consecutive days
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Free
Unique Features: Participants receive 2 nights’ lodging, all meals, and a modest compensation for attending to cover lost fishing income.
https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/news/2019/12/fish-camp-workshops/
Introductory North Carolina Marine Fisheries Management for Fishermen
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide saltwater anglers in North Carolina with an introduction to fisheries science and management
Funding Source(s): North Carolina Sea Grant, fee-based class
Location(s): North Carolina
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): North Carolina Division of Marine Resources and North Carolina Sea Grant
Organizer(s) Name(s): Scott Baker and Mary Beth Barrow
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected] and [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2019 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must be saltwater anglers.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 60 (20 in person, 40 virtual)
Duration (Classroom and Field): Three Tuesday nights for 2 hours
Sector(s): Commercial, recreational, and aquaculture
Cost: $15
Unique Features: The program offers a webinar format to allow for more participants (e.g., people located out-of-state).
https://ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/10/Fisheries-Mgmt-Flyer.pdf
North Carolina Shellfish Farming Academy
Mission Statement/Goal: To introduce students to shellfish-farming techniques and strategies, shellfish leases, and starting a shellfish business in North Carolina
Funding Source(s): North Carolina Sea Grant, Carteret County Community College
Location(s): North Carolina
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): North Carolina Sea Grant, Carteret County Community College
Organizer(s) Name(s): David Cerino
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2020 to present
Prerequisites: None
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 70
Duration (Classroom and Field): 12 weeks
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: $125
Unique Features: This course is geared toward those with an interest in becoming mariculture entrepreneurs and involves 24 hours of classroom teaching along with 24 hours of hands-on instruction.
Lake Erie Sport Fishing Course
Mission Statement/Goal: To give participants detailed information and background in technical concepts used by anglers
Funding Source(s): Ohio Sea Grant
Location(s): Stone Lab at Ohio State University
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Stone Lab, NOAA Fisheries, Ohio State University, and Ohio Sea Grant
Organizer(s) Name(s): Tory Gabriel
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Biannual
Year Range Running: 2005 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must obtain an Ohio fishing license and complete a 1-year high school biology course.
Age Range of Participants: High school and older
Average Number of Participants per Course: Four to 12
Duration (Classroom and Field): 1 week with lectures and fishing field trips
Sector(s): Recreational
Cost: For Ohio residents, the course is $596, and room and board is $500; for non-Ohio Residents, course $1,847, room and board $500. Alternatively, the course can be taken as a workshop for no credits at a cost of $425.
Unique Features: The program is offered as a college course to upper level high school students, college students, or those who are interested, but it is also offered as a workshop (a more in-depth experience than the listed workshop).
https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/education/stonelab/courses/3rpec/lake-erie-sport-fishing
Lake Erie Sport Fishing Workshop
Mission Statement/Goal: To give participants a background in technical concepts used by anglers, with a focus on the fishing experience
Funding Source(s): Ohio Sea Grant
Location(s): Stone Lab at Ohio State University
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Stone Lab, NOAA Fisheries, Ohio State University, and Ohio Sea Grant
Organizer(s) Name(s): Tory Gabriel
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Multiple workshops throughout the year for the sport fishing seasons
Year Range Running: 2005 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must be high school graduates and possess an Ohio fishing license.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: Four to 12 (tends to receive fewer participants than the course)
Duration (Classroom and Field): 3 days
Sector(s): Recreational
Cost: $500
Unique Features: It focuses mostly fishing experiences with fewer lectures than the course due to shorter time limit.
https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/education/stonelab/courses/6i44m/lake-erie-sport-fishing-workshop
Ohio Charter Captain Conference
Mission Statement/Goal: To gather Ohio charter captains to educate them in changing rules and regulations, new fishing techniques, business lessons, and more
Funding Source(s): Ohio Sea Grant
Location(s): Stone Lab at Ohio State University
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Stone Lab, NOAA Fisheries, Ohio State University, and Ohio Sea Grant
Organizer(s) Name(s): Tory Gabriel
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 1981 to present
Prerequisites: The program is open to the public but is meant for charter captains and their businesses; all participants must complete preregistration.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: About 150 captains per year, plus their families and the interested general public (attendance by public and families is not monitored closely)
Duration (Classroom and Field): 1 day
Sector(s): Recreational
Cost: Free (Online)
Unique Features: Four captains win the cost of their Ohio Lake Erie Fishing Guide License as a door prize.
https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/news/calendar/2022/03/05/ys2x6/charter-captains-conference
Applied Shellfish Farming Course
Mission Statement/Goal: To teach both aspiring shellfish farmers and aquaculture professionals the ins-and-outs of commercially growing oysters, quahogs, scallops, and mussels
Funding Source(s): Roger Williams University
Location(s): Bristol, Rhode Island
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Roger Williams University
Organizer(s) Name(s): Dale Leavitt
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected] or [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2003 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must have a desire to start a shellfish farm.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): 15 evening lectures over 4 months
Sector(s): Aquaculture
Cost: $100 for the whole course; drop-in basis is $10 per class meeting
Unique Features: The program is offered in-person or online; aspects of the program are required for the Recreational Aquaculture Permit.
https://appliedshellfishfarming.org/
https://appliedshellfishfarming.org/applied-shellfish-farming-course/
Commercial Fisherman Apprenticeship Program
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide a crew training program designed and offered by the East Farm Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island
Funding Source(s): Real Jobs Rhode Island
Location(s): Point Judith and Kingston, Rhode Island
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): East Farm Commercial Fisheries Center, the University of Rhode Island Fisheries Center, U.S. Coast Guard, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, local fishermen, and shoreside fisheries
Organizer(s) Name(s): Shaye Rooney (assistant director)
Organizer(s) Contact Info: [email protected]
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2016 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must be at least 18, have a driver’s license, pass background and drug tests, and commit to 4 weeks.
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 16
Duration (Classroom and Field): 4 weeks (3 days at sea)
Sector(s): Commercial
Cost: Free; apprentices receive a $1,000 stipend and $15/day for meals
Unique Features: Students get to select two types of fishing experiences for their 3 days at sea (gillnetting, lobster/ fish pots, trawling, scalloping, or rod and reel). Upon completion, there is a commitment from vessels to hire each student as a crew member.
https://www.cfcri.org/apprenticeship.html
Appendix 1: Tips and Tricks from Program Organizers
National Shellfish Initiative: Prioritize communication to keep the public, fishermen, seafood businesses, and fisheries management interested and supportive.
FishBiz: Consider marketing to be an important factor, especially if a program will have an online presence.
California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program: Ensure the fishermen will sponsor the apprentice; work with the fishermen to create the relationships; generate marketing funding and extra funds to act as incentives for fishermen involvement; and create the program to be adaptive.
Florida Friendly Fishing Guide Certification: Implement more marketing funds to promote the program.
Cape Cod Fishermen Training Program: Get started sooner; it took about 2 years to get this program running.
Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH): Allow for Q&A during course meetings; offer field trips.
Introductory North Carolina Marine Fisheries Management for Fishermen: Offer a hybrid format or recordings to reach more anglers.
Lake Erie Sport Fishing Course: Invest in taking trips on a fishing vessel, rather than a research vessel, to create the most realistic experience possible for the students.
Lake Erie Sport Fishing Workshop: Try to offer the course during major fishing seasons (large sport-fishing seasons).
Ohio Charter Captain Conference: Ask the captains to take a survey after the conference so they can provide feedback on how the conference went and what they would like to see next year.
Applied Shellfish Farming Course: Offer online and in-person formats to broaden the reach to both national and international students; bring in guest speakers if possible.
Sea Grant publication number: MASGP-20-047
Publication 3527 (POD-4-22) (Revised 2022)
Ana Osowski, Extension Associate I, Marine Fisheries Ecology Program; Kindall Calhoun, Extension Apprentice, School of Human Services; Amanda Jefferson, Extension Associate I, Marine Fisheries Ecology Program, and Marine Fisheries Specialist, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium; J. Marcus Drymon, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor, Marine Fisheries Ecology Program, and Marine Fisheries Specialist, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is working to ensure all web content is accessible to all users. If you need assistance accessing any of our content, please email the webteam or call 662-325-2262.
