This study examines challenges in retaining new fishery entrants and organizational support systems, focusing on Ishinomaki City’s Fisheries Workforce Center Project. As Japan’s fishing workforce declines, strategies for non-heir entrants are essential. Interviews with 15 settled newcomers revealed that while early-stage challenges like interpersonal stress and financial anxiety exist, the project’s multifaceted support—including housing assistance and multi-layered mentoring by cooperatives and coordinators—effectively mitigated these issues and promoted retention. However, long-term economic stability remains a key issue, with many newcomers expressing concern about future income due to insufficient managerial reforms. The study concludes that expanding support to include diversified income sources and business planning is crucial for long-term workforce sustainability.
