Homer Alaska - Business

JUNEAU The fourth Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit is set for Feb. 13-14 in Juneau and registration is open.

Like the three previous Alaska Young Fishermen's Summits sponsored by Alaska Sea Grant, next month's event will provide crucial training and networking opportunities for fishermen entering the business or wishing to take a leadership role in their industry.

In all, more than 180 up-and-coming fishermen from Alaska coastal communities have taken part in focused discussions and problem-solving sessions with industry experts and established fishermen. This year's summit will take advantage of the Juneau location by introducing participants to the legislative process, discussing issues and concerns of Alaska's emerging fishermen with members of the legislative Fish Caucus. The group also will travel to the NOAA/University of Alaska Fairbanks fisheries research facilities to interact with scientists involved in fisheries management.

Participants need to book rooms near the summit venue St. Ann's Parish Hall before Jan. 12 to save them. Fishermen also can apply to receive one of a limited number of scholarships for up to $800 in airfare and hotel costs.

To learn more about the Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit, hotel rates and travel scholarships, visit the website at http://www.marineadvisory.org or contact Sunny Rice, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, Petersburg, (907) 772-3381, sunny.rice@alaska.edu.