It is true that the business of seafood is no small fry. Each year, more than $65 billion worth of seafood is harvested from the world’s oceans and grown on high-tech farms. Alaska has big share of it, about $2 billion, claimed mostly by large factory ships and trawlers that harvest pollock and other groundfish, and mom-and-pop fishermen who live in the state’s many small coastal communities. The main aim of this new course is t help Alaska’s mom-and-pop commercial fishermen become more savvy about their business, and maybe claim a larger slice of the world seafood pie.
The course, The Business of Fish, is offered by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Programme at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It is said that the best part about the course: you won’t need to leave home to take it. The free class begins September 16 and is offered through the University of Alaska Television Network. There is no charge for the class and registration is not required. Most Alaskans can view UATV programming through their local cable network. The course is also available online under IP: http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/staff/haight.html.
It is told that the first six week the course will cover the basics of business financial management: accounting, income tax, business organization, writing a business plan, financing, vessel and crew insurance, as well as state and federal fisheries regulations. Several subjects will feature guest lecturers. There will be separate course on fishermen direct marketing.
