WORKING WATERFRONTS
AMCC’s work is centered around the holistic value of dynamic working waterfronts. Thriving subsistence traditions and sustained participation by local people in the state’s commercial fisheries are critical not only to community sustainability in Alaska, but also to fisheries and marine ecosystem health. AMCC is both a leader for and supporter of viable solutions for bolstering healthy working waterfronts, through activities that reflect the complex social, cultural, economic, and ecological needs of our diverse coastal communities. We support local food systems, viable ocean livelihoods, and accessible waterfront infrastructure — integrating a robust conservation ethic into all such pursuits.
Young Fishermen's Development Act
AMCC has been a primary driver of legislation to establish this program, a national effort to support young fishermen through federal funding for training and educational opportunities. This funding pool would help expand upon current, but very limited, regional efforts underway and initiate a federal program to support our nation’s beginning commercial fishermen and ensure a continuous supply of safe, healthy American seafood to market.
Currently, there is not a single federal program dedicated to training, educating, and assisting the next generation of commercial fishermen and the need could not be greater. Without a new generation of fishermen, consumer access to domestically-caught seafood will disappear along with fishing jobs, and portside infrastructure.
The program is modeled after the USDA’s successful Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which Congress enacted several years ago to ensure the future of that industry. That program is credited with preparing hundreds of young farmers and ranchers for industry careers.
The Future of Fisheries
Food harvesters around the globe are aging, with fewer young people entering into those industries. From farming to fishing, the cost to access methods of food production is increasing, while opportunities shrink as a result of the consolidation of our food system under the guise of efficiency. At AMCC, we find that trend to be alarming. Localized stewardship is a core tenant of what makes an ecosystem healthy and resilient, and local foods are the foundation of Alaska’s coastal communities. Our efforts to support working waterfronts combine dynamic social science with action to bolster the long-term success of community-based fishermen. Read on to learn more about our initiatives, and check out the Fisheries Conservation tab to learn about the policy arenas we navigate to help nourish the fate of the ocean’s dwellers.
Seafood Vendor List
AMCC is dedicated to supporting fishing families and ensuring Alaskans continue to have access to sustainably harvested seafood.
We encourage you to join us by purchasing from trusted local seafood providers who share our dedication to sustainable fishing practices, habitat protection, and community stewardship.
Choose Local. Eat Wild. Support Alaska Seafood.
ALASKA YOUNG
FISHERMEN'S ALMANAC
Since its debut in 2017, the Alaska Young Fishermen’s Almanac has become a beloved collection celebrating Alaska’s fishing culture. A second volume followed in 2019, and the third, released in April 2025, continues the tradition of sharing the ingenuity, humor, concerns, passion, and talent of those whose lives are bound to the ocean. Created to inspire future generations of fisherfolk, the Almanacs highlight the voices and experiences at the heart of Alaska’s coastal communities.
“The almanac serves as a cultural touchstone. For people who fish it’s a great community builder. And for people who don’t participate, they will gain a window into this livelihood and a better understanding of why it’s important and worth preserving.”
- Jamie O'Connor