In partnership with Florida Sea Grant and Texas Sea Grant, the Gulf Reef Fish Shareholders' Alliance has officially opened applications for the second session of the Gulf Commercial Fisherman Program (GCFP). 

This industry-led training initiative aims to prepare the next generation of commercial fishermen, helping to counter the graying of the fleet by equipping newcomers with essential skills.

The training will take place from May 5 to 9, 2025, in Madeira Beach, Florida, and will focus on the Gulf’s reef fishery. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in critical areas such as safety procedures, financial training, gear handling and maintenance, and fish identification, all key to building a strong foundation for a career in commercial fishing.

Limited spots are available, and applications must be submitted by March 21, 2025. Those interested can apply here.

The GCFP is made possible through partnerships with Florida Sea Grant, Texas Sea Grant, and generous sponsors Wild Seafood Co. and John’s Pass Fishermen’s Cove Cottages.

For aspiring deckhands looking to break into the Gulf’s commercial fishing industry, this program offers invaluable opportunities to gain experience, training, and connections within the community.

The Gulf Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance is a fishermen's organization run by fishermen for fishermen. Everything we do is founded on our belief that conservation and stewardship protect fishermen's businesses and fish populations. We do this from the ground up as commercial fishermen, creating positive change. The Alliance is a proactive, resilient, and effective organization of commercial fishermen in the Gulf of America that advocates for accountable and sustainable fisheries, public access to American seafood, profitable fishing businesses, and a durable IFQ system.