Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit
January 20th-22nd 2026
Juneau, Alaska
The Alaska Young fishermen’s Summit
A stronger fleet means stronger fisheries! CDFU is offering financial assistance scholarships for fishermen from our region to attend Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit, January 20th-22nd 2026 in Juneau (Dates TBD). The summit is a three-day networking and skill-building conference for new entrants in managing modern commercial fishing businesses. The event is fast-paced, features prominent industry leaders as speakers and mentors, and energizes younger fishermen to network with peers from throughout the state. For details about AYFS, visit the AYFS event website.
Since 2005 Cordova District Fishermen United has sent over 100 young fishermen to the summit. Attendees have gone onto be leaders in the fisheries by participating in regulatory processes like Board of Fish, and represent their fisheries on boards like CDFU, IPHC, PWSAC, VFDA, CRPWS AC Members, and more.
Submit the above application by October 15th to be considered for a CDFU scholarship for AYFS expenses. Associated expenses with attending include registration, accommodations or transportation to the 3-day summit. Successful applicants will be contacted by email or phone to make travel arrangements.
CDFU is working directly with AYFS to maximize all funds available to support getting Area E fishermen to attend and bring skills home to our waters. It is in your interest to ALSO apply to AYFS's scholarship application (available at their event link).
While priority is given to CDFU members any Area E commercial fisherman is strongly encouraged to apply!