The average age of an Alaska fisherman today is more than 50 years old. That number is growing statewide, according to a November report, as permit and quota holders leave coastal communities, reducing opportunities for youth to enter fisheries.

The absence of youth in Alaska’s fisheries has become known as the “greying of the fleet” and it’s affecting rural and urban communities across the state. To help with the problem, the Alaska Marine Conservation Council has chosen five young leaders from the fishing industry to help steward projects aimed at increasing youth access to the fishing industry.

They announced the inaugural class of fellows Wednesday. Two of recipients — Ann Robertson and Clayton Hamilton — hail from Juneau.

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Ann Roberston, pictured, is one of two Juneau-based members of the Young Fishing Fellowship programs inaugural class, through which she’s working to address the ageing of Alaska’s fishing fleet. (Ann Robertson | Courtesy Photo)