Staff, fishermen, partners, and experts will collaborate to finalize curriculum and teach late winter/early spring fishing 101 course for 15 students and a series of 7 advanced workshops for 30…

This federal Project Grant award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Fisheries Development and Utilization Research and Development Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (CFDA 11.427) provides $128,524.00 to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance, Inc. to develop and deliver a "Fishing 101" introductory course for 15 students and a series of 7 advanced workshops for 30 fishermen. The training will cover topics such as local fisheries, maritime safety, fisheries management, business planning, and technical skills. The project aims to finalize the curriculum, conduct the training, gather feedback, and refine the courses for a second round of offerings in the following year. This grant award, effective from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2027, supports the organization's efforts to enhance the economic viability and environmental sustainability of U.S. fisheries through educational initiatives targeting new and existing fishermen.

Staff, fishermen, partners, and experts will collaborate to finalize curriculum and teach late winter/early spring fishing 101 course for 15 students and a series of 7 advanced workshops for 30 fishermen. Introductory training topics will include introduction to local fisheries, maritime safety and offshore survival training, setting realistic expectations for working at sea, basic skills (knot tying, gear handlings, etc.), intro to fisheries management, employment connections, and resources. Students will have the chance to take real fishing trips and gain experience. Advanced training topics include business planning, taxes for small business owners, acquiring permits, vessels and quota, regulations, fisheries management processes, marine electronics, diesel repair, and welding. The majority of the training will be conducted in a classroom setting, aside from practical skills. After reviewing feedback, the project team will refine the curriculum and offer a second round of courses in year two to a new group of students.