KODIAK — People in the fishing industry are looking for ways to help young fishermen join the workforce.
The Kodiak Daily Mirror reported during the ComFish conference in Kodiak industry officials talked about ways to help young people overcome barriers to entry, such as permit loans, a sustainable fisheries trust and possibly community permit banks.
University of Alaska Fair banks professor Courtney Carothers says the age of the average permit holder has increased by 10 years since 1980 and more students aren’t fishing despite historical ties to it.
Alaska Sea Grand Director Paul Cullenberg says his organization has funded a study on ways to combat the aging fishing workforce it.
