ALFA Seeks Applicants
For Fish Crew Training
The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, a Sitka-based fishing group, and partner organization Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust are seeking applicants for the crew training program.
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.
Formalized as part of ALFA’s Young Fishermen Initiative in 2015 – in late 2017 ALFA was awarded funds to get more boots on deck statewide. Since 2015, more than 100 apprentices have been trained and placed on local fishing vessels in Southeast Alaska. The crew training program is a way to attract younger entrants into an industry where the average fisherman’s age in Alaska is over 50.
Over several years, ALFA member Eric Jordan of the F/V I Gotta has taken more than 40 young people fishing as part of ALFA’s program. While on the water, Jordan teaches deckhands the intricacies of commercial fishing and demonstrates sustainable fishing practices to encourage a strong conservation ethic, ALFA said in a press release.
The program aims to 1) provide young people with an interest in pursuing a career in commercial fishing an opportunity to gain experience; and, 2) give young people the opportunity to better understand commercial fishing, the lifestyle it provides, and its important role in supporting coastal communities, while providing a safe, well-guided, entry level experience, ALFA said.
In 2022, ALFA and ASFT hope to place several apprentices with local skippers, and fishing vessels and enhance local employment opportunities.
“With support from numerous funders, we have been fortunate to expand the program to include more boats, crew, and communities,’’ ALFA Executive Director Linda Behnken said. ‘‘Our goal is to provide young people with a safe introduction to Alaska’s fisheries and to share the curriculum we have developed through our program with fishing groups in other parts of the state and country.”
ALFA has shared the curriculum with several organizations throughout Alaska and coastal organizations throughout the U.S.
Since the inception of the program, ALFA and ASFT have been awarded several 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.
Applicants are needed for the upcoming fishing season. The crew training application period is open and will close March 15. Applicants must be 18 years or older to qualify. It’s free to apply. Application information can be found at https://www.alfafish.org/crewtraining or by contacting Natalie at 907-738-1286 or program.director@alfafish.org.
Boating Safety
Class in Sitka
The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association will offer the Alaska Water Wise Boating Safety class 8 a.m. Feb. 5 at NSRAA, 1308 Sawmill Creek Road. The cost is $125 (including sales tax). Boaters may register online at www.amsea.org or call (907) 747-3287.
The class will cover trip planning, weather and risk assessment, distress signals and mayday calls, personal flotation devices, cold-water survival skills, man overboard recovery, the seven steps to survival, and basic engine troubleshooting. Attendees who pass the Alaska Water Wise test may be able to get a reduced rate on their boat insurance.
SAIL Calendar
Set for February
Southeast Alaska Independent Living’s Outdoor Recreation and Community Access February calendar has been released.
ORCA activity fees have changed, effective in February. Individuals are reminded scholarships are available for all activities. Use this link to fill out the scholarship form: https://forms.gle/SYCKpaVjCoKXpzqz5.
The new fees are: Adventure Club, $25, open to those 15 and older with any ability level; SOAR senior activities, $10, open to those 60 and old; Senior Hiking Club, $10; and transportation, $3 one way or $5 round-trip.
Those with questions can contact Matt at 888-487-1029 or email mmillado@sailinc.org.
February’s schedule includes: ceramics studio, 6-9 p.m. Mondays; Adventure Club, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Sitka Hiking Club, 10:30-12:30 p.m. Thursdays; and the Zoom get-together, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Emblem Club
Meets Jan. 27
Sitka Emblem Club will hold a social meeting 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Sitka Elks Lodge.
