Reduced commercial salmon harvests on the Columbia River and Willapa Bay create huge business challenges for viable local commercial fishing operations. Wahkiakum County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) members recognized these severe challenges in their communities, and applied for and received funding through the Washington Coast Restoration Initiative (WCRI) to offer resources for commercial fishermen navigating these difficult times.

As part of that funding, the MRC is offering a class series this spring on direct marketing, HACCP, and business planning. These classes are targeted to fishermen interested in optimizing their returns on what harvests are available locally through terminal fisheries or alternative gears, as well as returns on outside fisheries, such as Alaska harvests. All classes are free of charge to commercial fishermen and their families.

The first class in this series will be “Intro to Starting/Operating a Direct Marketing Seafood Business,” and will be held Saturday, January 27, 9 a.m., to 3:30 p.m., at the Grays River Valley Center (Rosburg School), 30 Rosburg School Road, Rosburg. This class will be lead by Dr. Quentin Fong, from University of Alaska Sea Grant. Upon completion participants will be able to:

· Understand the seafood direct marketing industry;

· Learn how to start a business and increase your income;

· Develop a plan that maximizes your profitability;

· Identify key contacts and resources for market opportunities.

Lunch is provided. This first class is limited to 20 participants. Call Carrie Backman at the Wahkiakum County Extension office to reserve spots in the class. 360-795-3278.