New England Young Fishermen's Alliance

The New England Young Fishermen's Alliance (NEYFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the future of New England’s small-boat commercial fishing industry by supporting the next generation of fishermen and women. Founded in 2022 in response to the growing “graying of the fleet”, NEYFA provides education, workforce development, mentorship, advocacy, and critical resources for young commercial fishermen throughout Northern New England.

Through programs like the Deckhand to Captain Training Program and the Greenhorn Apprenticeship, NEYFA equips young fishermen with hands-on industry experience, business management skills, safety training, fisheries policy education, and leadership development needed to become successful owner-operators and stewards of working waterfront communities.

NEYFA also works to strengthen the long-term sustainability of New England’s coastal communities by promoting collaborative research, local seafood access, mental health and wellness resources, and opportunities for industry networking and advocacy. By investing in young fishermen and women today, NEYFA is helping protect the cultural heritage, economic resilience, sustainable local seafood system and the future of the commercial fishing industry for generations to come.