With vessels generally limited to 40 feet, Community Based Fisheries provide a range of opportunities for small-business fishers and families, and could be a steppingstone for shareholder Nations’ fishers who wish to gradually work their way into the larger coastwide commercial fishing industry.

 

This is an exciting opportunity for shareholder Nations and their citizens and will take time to be fully implemented. To acquire the right fishing assets, Nations have been engaging with citizens to determine what species they are interested in fishing and how they plan to fish. This information will continue to guide the process of creating a fleet of viable and sustainable small-boat fishing enterprises within each community.

 

Benefits of Community Based Fisheries

• Support for fishers, including business planning, mentorship, and training

• Increased participation in commercial fishing by the citizens of the shareholder Nations, including new fishers and youth

• Income and related economic benefits stay in coastal communities

• Multi-year fishing permits issued by Nations are tailored to local fishers’ interests and experience

• Affordable lease fees and accessible financing for vessels and gear

• New monitoring and permitting requirements make sustainable, multi-species fishing possible

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What's Right for You?

Learn more about the difference between opportunities in CNCF and Community Based Fisheries.