Our Mission

“Today’s Fish, Tomorrow’s Fishermen”

At Cobscook Bay Youth Fisheries Alliance (CYFA), our mission is simple but powerful: to encourage, support, and educate local youth in fisheries and aquaculture. We believe that through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections to the natural world, young people can become the future stewards of Maine’s iconic working coast.

Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future

Deeply rooted in the working traditions of Downeast Maine, CYFA is committed to passing down the knowledge, values, and skills that have supported our coastal communities for generations. From clamming and elvering to lobstering and fishing, we give youth the chance to learn trades firsthand, connect with local mentors, and gain the tools they need to build a strong, self-reliant future.

Experience-Based Learning

Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. By stepping into the tide flats, streams, boats and rivers of our region, youth learn by doing—sparking curiosity, and confidence along the way.

From early spring through late fall, CYFA offers experience-based programming designed to immerse youth in the real work of local fisheries. Through hands-on activities, guided fieldwork, and exposure to active marine practices, our members gain:

  • Practical skills in traditional and emerging trades

  • An understanding of environmental stewardship

  • A deep connection to their community and working waterfront

Powered by Community, Guided by Industry

CYFA proudly collaborates with Gulf of Maine Inc., a local leader in seafood and coastal innovation. We also work together with local teachers, schools and parents to connect kids with the people, tools, and industries that define our community—creating a pathway from education to opportunity.

In rural areas like ours, fisheries are more than a livelihood—they’re a way of life. By involving children in meaningful, age-appropriate training, we provide them with a clear vision of how they can thrive close to home, in trades that support both personal growth and community resilience.