The University of Alaska Fisheries Seafood Maritime Initiative (FSMI) is bringing state, university, public and private sector leaders together to address the high demand for jobs that exist in these industries today. It is a great example of the new approach to higher education sought by the UA Strategic Direction Initiative . As a matter of fact, the five UA Strategic Direction themes directly relate to FSMI .

- Student achievement, and attainment; A committee of 18 UA program heads have been charged with coordinating programs, increasing the visibility of these promising career paths for UA students.  

- Productive partnerships with Alaska's schools; The UAS fisheries technology program is offering a class introducing high school students across Alaska to fisheries careers.

- Productive partnerships with Alaska’s public and private industries; The State House of Representatives passed Resolution 18 in support of FSMI. Industry partners are working with UA to identify industry workforce needs.  

- Research & development to build and sustain Alaska’s economic growth; Delivering applied research and technical services in support of the fisheries, seafood, and maritime sectors of Alaska.

- Accountability to the People of Alaska ; Making sure that future generations of Alaskans will have the opportunity to continue working within these renewable Alaskan resource industries.

                                                               Finding Solutions

The University of Alaska recently commissioned a gaps analysis study of the Fisheries Seafood Maritime industries. The study, conducted by the McDowell Group, concluded that these three industries comprise more than 68,000 jobs in Alaska. The study also helped to identify the differences between the FSM-related programs the University of Alaska offers, and types of training needed to fill jobs in these industries. 

UA academic leaders have been meeting with state and industry leaders to begin an effort that would open up educational pathways into fisheries, seafood and maritime careers. The key to this initiative’s success is to sustain efforts that connect talented and educated workers with jobs in the industries. 

Fred Villa, UA Academic Affairs Associate VP of Workforce Programs, explains “This is part of the university's mission; working with the institutions involved with FSMI and creating enough flexibility and latitude to address the areas where needs are identified. But leadership is the key to making this initiative successful.” To find out more about the University of Alaska Fisheries Seafood Maritime Initiative, click here .

                                                      “What is your role in SDI?”

The UA Fisheries Seafood Maritime Initiative is a great example of the Strategic Direction Initiative in action, and an important part of “Shaping Alaska’s Future2017”. You can be a part of the solution too. Be proactive, ask questions of your department manager, your dean, or anyone in a leadership role and find out how you can get involved. Please take a moment and complete the SDI online survey . Your feedback is important to us!