The press communiqué says that a new grant program could mean some extra funds for Southeast Alaska commercial shrimp fishermen. The University of Alaska Fairbanks and U.S. Department of Agriculture are joining habds in providing grants totaling up to $12,000 though the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
The information revealed that the money will be awarded to qualifying shrimpers who apply for and participate in the program’s training workshops. Glenn Haight, the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program’s fisheries business specialist, said those that take 16 hours of industry-specific training can qualify to receive up to $4,000.
According to Haight the money would help to get some industry-based training to make them more competitive and modify business. He explained that shrimpers who complete the training can then write their own business plans to qualify for up to $8,000 more. These plans should explain how they can modify their operations to become more profitable.
Haight also said that these plans could also entail how a shrimper could move into other lines of work. It is fact that Alaska commercial shrimp fishermen have been severely diminished economically in recent years. They are in great need of help financially. Although the amount each fisherman can receive will vary but will of great help to them. The application deadline is Dec. 23. Signing up can be done through the Alaska USDA Farm Service Agency.
