Pacific Islands Commercial Fishing Vocational Training Program - September 2025

The Commercial Fishing Training Program is designed to share knowledge of different commercial gear types, fisheries, and markets across the Pacific Islands. The goal of the program is to help current commercial fishers become more successful, and assist new commercial fishers to enter the industry. The hands-on training provided by experienced commercial fishers not only helps to pass down traditional fishing knowledge, but also introduce new fishing tactics and markets.

The program took place September 2025 and the final report is available here.

The program hopes to continue on with the help and funding from the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, NOAA, and the Fishing industry.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

  • This program is designed to support emerging fishers and leaders aged 18–40. All are welcome to apply, but preference will be given to applicants within this range

  • Must be a resident of Hawai’i, American Samoa, Guam, CNMI, and Pacific Remote Islands.

  • Must be able to read, write, and understand English.

  • Must be interested in commercial fishing full time or part-time on a consistent basis.

Program Benefits

  • Travel, lodging, and training provided at no-cost.

  • Small cohort size - No more than 6 participants.

  • Hands-on training from experienced commercial fishermen.

  • Mentorship and networking opportunities.

  • Upon completion, you will receive a $750 stipend.

  • All gear is provided (boots, foul-weather gear, gloves).

Fishing Opportunities

Learn about the different fishing opportunities that the Pacific Islands have to offer:

  • Longline, Shortline, Bottom Fish, Ama Ebi, Private Charter.

  • Boat trips at sea with commercial fisherman.

  • The training takes place over an 8 day period, Monday through Saturday, from around 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Participants will get a daily one-hour lunch break.

  • Topics that are covered in the program include safety at sea, CPR and first aid, seamanship and navigation, small boat maintenance, seafood marketing, fisheries management, and different commercial fishing gear types.

  • The training primarily takes place at the Honolulu Harbor

  • This vocational training program is free to participants, and fully funded through federal grants. Through the program, all participants are provided with boots, gloves, foul weather gear, knives, and all training materials. Participants will also receive a final program stipend of $750.

  • Yes, you will receive lodging free of cost, and will receive a meal stipend.

  • The online application for the 2025 program can be found here:

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPX9m4xucDYICXbZqI6JajIn2JzT25O9z87UfodiEVtckqFQ/viewform?usp=header

    If you are unable to access the online application, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.

  • Yes. The training includes multiple trips approximately 8 hours in length to learn about different commercial fishing gear and techniques.

  • Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a CPR, First Aid, & AED certification, and a certificate of completion from PIFG.