Building Cooperative Fisheries Capacity in Alaska
GrantID: 69341
Grant Funding Amount Low: $25,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $250,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Cooperative Fisheries Development in Alaska
Alaska is home to a distinctive and rich fishing heritage, yet many indigenous communities face significant barriers in accessing markets for their traditional fishing practices. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports that around 15% of Alaska's population is Native American or part of Alaska Native groups, many of whom still rely on subsistence fishing and face challenges in commercial waters. These barriers often stem from regulatory complexities and limited access to supportive industry networks.
Indigenous communities and fishermen in Alaska are the primary groups affected by these barriers. Many tribal nations possess traditional knowledge of sustainable fishing practices that are not always recognized or supported in commercial fishing frameworks. Consequently, access to markets that appreciate and promote these practices remains a challenge, leaving valuable resources untapped and community needs unmet.
This funding opportunity provides critical support for the establishment of cooperative fisheries that prioritize indigenous fishing practices in Alaska. The initiative aims to increase market access for BIPOC fishermen and women, ensuring that local communities directly benefit from sustainable fishing initiatives. The grant offers technical assistance and training that helps preserve traditional fishing knowledge while aligning with modern market demands.
By focusing on indigenous practices, this initiative aims to create outcomes that enhance food sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency for marginalized groups. In addition to direct support for fishing activities, the initiative fosters the development of marketing strategies that can elevate Alaskan seafood in broader markets, addressing the unique geographic and economic context of Alaska's coastal communities.
Differing from other regions in the Arctic, Alaska's approach highlights the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in modern fisheries management. This funding recognizes the need for indigenous practices to take center stage, providing a model that not only supports economic development but also respects and preserves the cultural relevance of fishing in Alaskan communities.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
