A Guide to Fishermen Training Programs
Photo by David Hay Jones
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 “greying 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 27 programs. Program activity spans from 1981 to present, but 56 percent of programs were created in the last 5 years. The number of commercial versus recreational programs is relatively equal, and six programs are intended for both sectors. Programs are located in most of the coastal and Great Lakes states. Specifically, 36 percent of programs are located along the Atlantic Coast, 25 percent along the Gulf Coast or in the Caribbean, 14 percent in the Great Lakes, 14 percent in Alaska, and 11 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 August 1, 2020.
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), which is neither solely saltwater nor aquaculture, but both. (NOTE: Instructions on the color-coded titles apply only to the printed 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
Map by Emily Seubert
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), Oregon (West Coast), Puerto Rico (Caribbean), and Maine and Louisiana (Aquaculture)
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Organizer(s) Name(s): Lauren O’Brien
Organizer(s) Contact Info: lobrien@gmri.org
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)
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial and recreational
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, California, Oregon, Alaska, Gulf of Mexico, Connecticut, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Washington
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): Scott Soares (Massachusetts)
Organizer(s) Contact Info: scott@massshellfishinitiative.org
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
Commercial/Recreational: Intended for commercial but can be taken for recreational purposes
Cost: Free
Unique Features: There are multiple locations with this program in place.
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/content/national-shellfish-initiative
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): Bill Walton
Organizer(s) Contact Info: billwalton@auburn.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: 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://www.disl.org/about/news/oyster-farming-fundamentals-enrolling-now-for-summer-session
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
Organizer(s) Name(s): Sunny Rice
Organizer(s) Contact Info: sunny.rice@alaska.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: 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): Nelli Williams
Organizer(s) Contact Info: nwilliams@tu.org
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
Commercial/Recreational: 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
Deckhand Apprenticeship
Mission Statement/Goal: To provide young adults with the experiences needed to become deckhands and safely participate in commercial fisheries
Funding Source(s): Alaska Sea Grant and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Location(s): Dillingham, Alaska
Organizing/Coordinating Group(s): Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association
Organizer(s) Name(s): Tara Racine
Organizer(s) Contact Info: alfa.outreach@gmail.com
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 2015 to present
Prerequisites: N/A
Age Range of Participants: 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: 12 to 20
Duration (Classroom and Field): Varies depending on the fishing season (could be 4 to 12 months)
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial
Cost: $20 application fee; selected apprentices receive a stipend (apprentices must cover their own travel, room/board, and insurance costs)
Unique Features: Apprentices receive paid on-the-job training, and each apprentice can choose between the available trainings (for example, longlines, gillnetting, trawl, or seine).
http://www.alfafish.org/crewtraining
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: UAF-fishbiz@alaska.edu or sunny.rice@alaska.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: 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/
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): Jamie O’Connor
Organizer(s) Contact Info: jamie@akmarine.org
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 (six in 2020)
Duration (Classroom and Field): 4 to 12 months
Commercial/Recreational: 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
Organizer(s) Name(s): Theresa Talley
Organizer(s) Contact Info: tstalley@ucsd.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial
Cost: $500 to $1000
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): Savanna Barry
Organizer(s) Contact Info: savanna.barry@ufl.edu
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)
Commercial/Recreational: 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
Organizer(s) Contact Info: 352-543-5057; LNST@ufl.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: Recreational
Cost: Free
Unique Features: The 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.
https://sites.google.com/levyk12.org/salt/home
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: fluech@uga.edu
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: 16+
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): 12 credit hours total
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial
Cost: Coastal Pines tuition costs
Unique Features: The program was specifically created for high school students.
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: mzischke@purdue.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: 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: Thymel@agctr.lsu.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: Both
Cost: Free
Unique Features: The program offers information about a variety of subjects: commercial fishing, crabbing, shrimping, business, seafood, etc.
https://www.lafisheriesforward.org/
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: abackus@hsph.harvard.edu
Frequency: Annual
Year Range Running: 1998 to present
Prerequisites: Applicants must meet the eligibility for the lobster license (LD 1503).
Age Range of Participants: 15+ can enroll on the wait list but cannot actually participate until 18+
Average Number of Participants per Course: N/A
Duration (Classroom and Field): 1,000 hours over 200 days stretched out over 2 years
Commercial/Recreational: 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): Amanda Cousart
Organizer(s) Contact Info: Amanda@capecodfishermen.org
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)
Commercial/Recreational: 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
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: aarcher@barnstablecounty.org
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): 8 weeks
Commercial/Recreational: Recreational
Cost: $150
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://seagrant.whoi.edu/fundamentals-of-shellfish-farming/
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): Mark Stephens
Organizer(s) Contact Info: infor@projectfish.org or steph143@msu.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: 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: jason.rider@dmr.ms.gov
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: 25
Duration (Classroom and Field): Five Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial
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 to fishermen in an easy to digest format. Graduates of the course should have an understanding of how fisheries management and fisheries science work in tandem.
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: marcus.drymon@msstate.edu
Frequency: Annual (anticipated)
Year Range Running: 2021 (anticipated) onward
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: To be determined
Duration (Classroom and Field): To be determined
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial and recreational
Cost: To be determined
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: zemeckis@njaes.rutgers.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: 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
https://joe.org/joe/2020february/iw4.php
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
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: msbaker@ncsu.edu and mebarrow@ncsu.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: Recreational
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
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: gabriel.78@osu.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: 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: gabriel.78@osu.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: Recreational
Cost: Workshop is $325, and room and board is $125
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/n68c6/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: gabriel.78@osu.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial
Cost: $45
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/2020/03/14/poyzz/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: dleavitt@rwu.edu
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
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial but can be recreational
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): University of 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: shayerooney@cfcri.org
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)
Commercial/Recreational: Commercial
Cost: Free; apprentices receive a $1,000 stipend
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.
Photo by David Hay Jones
Sea Grant publication number: MASGP-20-047
Publication 3527 (POD-9-20)
By Kindall Calhoun, Extension Apprentice, School of Human Sciences; Amanda Jefferson, Extension Associate I, Marine Fisheries Ecology Program, and Marine Fisheries Specialist, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium; and J. Marcus Drymon, PhD, Assistant Extension Professor, Marine Fisheries Ecology Program, and Marine Fisheries Specialist, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.
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