California Commercial Fishing Apprentice Program
The California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship (CCFA) program run by California Sea Grant scientists Theresa Talley and Carrie Culver offers training to people interested in a career in commercial fishing.
Most of the training takes place on or around the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, a Saturday morning fish market along San Diego Bay where local commercial fishing boats can sell their fresh seafood to the public and restaurants. The program gives trainees unique exposure to various aspects of the industry by taking place in an active fish market.
Trainees get to learn from commercial fishing crews, vendors that sell the seafood, and the local seafood restaurants who buy at the market
The training also offers a solid foundation in marine science, fisheries management, data collection, safety, seamanship, marketing, and business, which makes captains more willing to hire graduates of the program versus someone who has no background in fishing.
California Sea Grant also hosts a petting pool at the market as an education and outreach effort so the public can learn more about native species and conservation efforts to protect them.
Photos by Fred Greaves