Fostering Growth of the Southeast’s Commercial Seafood Industry

NOAA Sea Grant “FY23 Young Fishermen’s Career Development Projects” provide funding for a current two-year, regional (NC, SC & GA) project for implementation of near-term action items from the South Atlantic Planning Framework.

Expand Career Pathways in Commercial Fishing

Pilot a Commercial Fishing Academy with Carteret Community College that connects early-career fishers with paid, small-scale apprenticeships hosted by trusted seafood businesses in each state. Developed in collaboration with academic institutions, community organizations, and industry leaders, the academy is designed to strengthen the workforce pipeline and build regional capacity for the next generation of commercial fishers.

Deliver Targeted Safety and Instructional Training

Provide hands-on, industry-tailored safety training for current and future commercial fishers while also certifying a new wave of local instructors. This work is being carried out in partnership with the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and regional collaborators to ensure trainings are relevant, scalable, and sustainable.

Address Emerging Community-Identified Needs

Foster cross-sector learning exchanges to improve fishers’ access to liability insurance by convening “hard-to-place” underwriters, Farm Bureau representatives, and fishers in each state. These sessions aim to simplify insurance options, identify local barriers, and produce user-friendly tools such as a regional FAQ to support broader access.

Sustain Local Culture and Heritage Foodways

Support the resilience of working waterfronts by forming a regional advisory committee that brings together 12 respected cultural, culinary, and industry leaders to share traditional knowledge and guide project efforts.