The Great Lakes Future Fishers Initiative: Supporting the Next Generation of Great Lakes Commercial Fishing and Seafood Processing Industries

Abstract

Commercial fishers, fish processors, and regulatory agencies in the Great Lakes region have expressed interest in mentoring the next generation of the industry's workforce using structured, cross-discipline training curricula. A framework for an apprenticeship program for the Great Lakes region was developed using a regional online survey and in-person, semistructured focus group discussions with Anishinaabe fishers, multigenerational fishing families, and regulatory agency staff. Using these findings, we propose the Great Lakes Future Fisheries Initiative as a framework that meets the need for place-based job opportunities that include cultural and regulatory contexts specific to the region. Next steps include using the framework in collaboration with commercial businesses to pilot an apprenticeship program to address workforce development.