How do I apply for a fellowship?

• The 2021-2022 application period will open in April of 2021.

• Please contact fish@akmarine.org with questions.

Which organizations are hosting fellowships?

The Alaska Marine Conservation Council (AMCC) supports young fishing fellows at Alaska organizations engaged in work central to the sustainable management of fisheries and complementary to AMCC’s mission, values and goals. 

What is the program’s format?

The Young Fishing Fellows Program provides young Alaska fishermen with valuable learning, leadership and career-building opportunities in the following arenas: fisheries management and policy, seafood business, seafood markets, fisheries and ocean science, marine conservation, and fishing community culture, sustainability and well-being. The program works with a broad group of community partners to match the goals and needs of young fishermen today with host organizations across coastal Alaska engaged in fishery-related issues and projects. AMCC’s Young Fishing Fellows Programs works to provide fellows with opportunity and support to become leaders through mentorship and professional development while also offering important off-season job opportunities that help to grow their knowledge of the fishing industry. The Young Fishing Fellows Program is designed to be flexible in terms of duration and scope of work. Fellowships last between 4 and 12 months depending on the project. AMCC works in collaboration with host organizations and fellows to define the scope of work, goals and expectations for each individual fellowship.

What is required?

Each fellowship begins with an orientation led by AMCC staff and the host organization. At that time, a clear list of work activities, goals and expectations are identified and agreed upon. Each fellow is required to (co)host one or two community-based outreach activities designed to help grow and shape the Alaska Young Fishermen’s Network (AKFN). AKFN is an initiative of AMCC and aims to empower the next generation of fishermen as advocates, stewards, business owners and community leaders. Outreach activities may include (co)organizing a young fishermen event or workshop, or writing an article or blog for a local paper or the AKFN website.

What are Fishing Fellow’s Steering Committee responsibilities?

Current and former Fishing Fellows serve as steering committee members for the Alaska Fishermen’s Network. This work includes; coordinating with AKFN on 1-2 events, communications, and planning the direction of the Network at 1-2 strategic planning gatherings and/or calls.

How is the program funded?

AMCC provides grants to host organizations which cover the fellowship stipend. In some cases, host organizations provide matching funds to support fellows and cover additional costs such as travel. Matching funds are not required to apply to serve as a host organization for this program.

Who is eligible to apply? (i.e. Who is a young fisherman?)

AMCC and host organizations seek applications from highly motivated individuals currently engaged in Alaska fisheries and interested in furthering their education, personal growth and professional development in Alaska fisheries.

Applicants must be:

• Alaska residents that participate in Alaska commercial and/or subsistence fisheries.

• Active crew members, skippers and/or permit/quota holders.

• All active fishermen under the age of 40 are welcome to apply but priority will be given to fishermen with at least 3 years of fishing experience and demonstrated leadership and commitment to their community and industry.

• Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the fellowship.

How can fellows stay engaged after their fellowship ends?

The Young Fishing Fellows Program was created in the spirit of AMCC’s broader work to support the next generation of community-based fishermen in Alaska. The program is tied closely to the Alaska Fishermen’s Network (AKFN). Both initiatives work to connect young fishermen to each other, to strong mentors and to the resources they need to be successful. The Alaska Fishermen’s Network is the vehicle which supports the continued engagement and growth of fellows after fellowships end. You can learn more about AKFN or join the network here.