The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) and the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust (ASFT) are hosting a hybrid Fishermen’s Expo on April 24, from 9 am - 5 pm to provide educational workshops and training to new and experienced local fishermen as well as others with interest in the fishing sector.
Attendees have the option of attending virtually, through Zoom or in-person at the NRSAA Conference Room in Sitka. You can find the zoom link on ALFA’s website, here.
Interactive classes will cover a wide range of topics, including updates on the Southeast Alaska sablefish industry meeting, new features and updates on Deckhand Logbook, ocean acidification, ALFA's crew training program, and fishery-friendly climate action. Sessions will be led by experts from organizations like the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Attendees are encouraged to join as many sessions as they can, and raffle prizes will be given out to participants.
In a statement, ALFA's executive director, Linda Behnken, expressed gratitude to sponsors and ALFA's membership for making these workshops possible and free to the public.
ALFA is a coalition of small-boat, commercial fishermen advocating for sustainable fisheries and thriving coastal communities. ASFT is a nonprofit committed to bolstering fishing communities and marine resources through research, education, and economic opportunities.
All questions can be directed to ALFA Program Director Natalie Sattler at [email protected] or 907-738-1286. All presentations will provide time for questions and discussion.
The 2024 Fishermen's Expo schedule is below:
8:45AM Welcome
9:00AM SE AK Sablefish Industry Meeting Updates - Rhea Ehresmann, Jan Rumble, and Phil Joy (ADF&G) and Dan Goethel (NOAA)
12:00PM BREAK
12:15PM Deckhand Logbook Updates - Lange Solberg
1:00PM The Alaska Ocean Acidification Network - Darcy Dugan
2:00PM AMSEA’s Project Gabe - Denise Damewood
3:00PM Fishery Friendly Climate Action - Kinsey Brown
4:00PM ALFA’s Crew Training Program - Eric Jordan and Natalie Sattler
4:30PM AK Rug Company (Fishing Gear repurposing) - Jen Luton
5:00PMPM Closing/Raffle Prizes
