A Fall Hybrid Fishermen’s EXPO, set for Nov. 15 in Sitka, will offer free educational workshops and training for new and experienced fishermen, plus others with interest in the commercial fishing sector.
The event at the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association’s conference room is sponsored by the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) and the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust (ASFT).
Workshop topics on the agenda include the possible start-up of a Regional Seafood Development Association in Southeast Alaska, Nobeltec TIMEZERO updates to cartography and bathy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENC) chart download system, NOAA marine weather forecasting, women in commercial fishing, North Pacific Fishery Management Council updates, updates on fuel efficiency and hybrid engine projects, and Alaska marine safety.
Presenters include Daniel Joram, West Coast manager for Nobeltec Inc.; Jeff Farvour, vice president of ALFA; Chandler Kemp, founder of Kempy Energetics; Troy Nicolini, National Weather Service;
Linda Behnken, executive director of ALFA; Lauren Howard, vice chair of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Advisory Panel; Eric Jordan, of ALFA and the Fishery Conservation Network; Leann Fay, executive director of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association; occupational therapist Celeste Tyndico; and others.
Attendees are welcome to participate in as many sessions as they are able. There will be a raffle prize drawing at the conclusion of the EXPO.
Visit www.alfafish.org to register and for a full list of presentations and times. All presentations will include time for questions and discussion. For additional information contact Natalie Sattler at program.director@alfafish.org or call 907-738-1286.
The Fall Hybrid Fishermen’s Expo is an effort by ALFA and ASFT to provide resources and educational opportunities for fishermen, especially those just starting out in the industry.
“Thanks to the support of our funders, sponsors and ALFA’s membership, we are able to offer these workshops free and open to the public,” said Behnken. Supporters include the City and Borough of Sitka, the Edgerton Foundation, and the OneUSDA Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy initiative.
ALFA is an alliance of small-boat, commercial fishermen that support sustainable fisheries and thriving coastal communities by involving fishermen in research, advocacy and conservation initiatives. ASFT is a non-profit dedicated to strengthening fishing communities and marine resources through research, education and economic opportunity.
