Aquaculture & Marine Field Internship Opportunity aboard Commercial Fishing Vessel

Dan Tucker • June 3, 2026

A unique opportunity to gain course credits aboard an Alaskan fishing vessel

Captain Brannon Finney prepares crab pots aboard her vessel, the F/V Alaskan Girl. An internship opportunity aboard the vessel will offer credits to students. Photo: Brannon Finney

Internship Overview
F/V Alaskan Girl is pleased to offer a hands-on marine and aquaculture internship experience aboard a working vessel in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska waters. This immersive program is designed for students interested in aquaculture, fisheries science, marine biology, marine trades, and maritime operations.
Participants will gain practical field experience while learning directly from professionals working in salmon management, hatchery operations, and marine navigation.
What Students Will Learn
During the internship, students will:
  • Learn how to identify and sort salmon quickly by species
  • Gain introductory experience navigating near coastal and inland marine waters
  • Participate in interviews and educational visits with at least two Alaskan fish hatcheries
  • Study salmon management practices and conservation efforts in both Alaska and Washington
  • Observe marine mammals in their natural habitat and learn about their behaviors and ecosystems
  • Practice basic maritime knot tying techniques, basic engineering, and other skills. 
  • Learn proper vessel cleaning, maintenance, and onboard safety practices
Internship Experience
Students will work aboard an active vessel and participate in daily operations under supervision. This program emphasizes:
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Marine safety awareness
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Real-world aquaculture and fisheries experience
  • Professional exposure to marine industry careers
Ideal Candidates
This internship is ideal for students interested in:
  • Aquaculture
  • Fisheries management
  • Marine biology
  • Environmental science
  • Maritime operations
  • Wildlife conservation
  • Marine trades: diesel mechanics, marine electrical, RSW, etc
  • Media and product marketing 
No prior boating experience is required, though a willingness to work outdoors and participate in hands-on learning is essential.
Program Benefits
Participants will receive:
  • Direct field experience in aquaculture and marine operations
  • Networking opportunities with hatchery and fisheries professionals
  • Exposure to salmon management systems in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska
  • Educational wildlife observation opportunities
  • Practical maritime skill development
  • Practical maritime trades development
For additional information regarding scheduling, duration, and application requirements, or for placement on a different boat for summer - please contact the program coordinator. 
Brannon Finney
907-723-7926

F/V Alaskan Girl anchored. The vessel fishes for crab in Alaska each season. Potential interns will learn valuable skills in seamanship, as well as deep insights into the commercial fishing industry that can only be learned on the job. Photo: Brannon Finney

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