A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is once again pushing to expand federal support for fishermen’s safety, health, and wellness on the job.
Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) have introduced the Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (Fish Wellness) Act, legislation aimed at strengthening protections for one of the nation’s most dangerous professions. According to ECO Reporting, the bill would reauthorize the Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research & Training Program and expand its reach to address better the physical and mental health risks that commercial fishermen face.
As ECO stated, the legislation highlights modern challenges, including chronic fatigue and high rates of drug overdose, alcohol related liver disease, and suicide. The FISH Wellness Act would also double the program’s authorized funding, widening access to grants from coast to coast.
“Our fishermen face demanding and dangerous working conditions on the water every single day-conditions that take both physical and mental toll,” Senator Markey said. He emphasized that the act would ensure fishermen “continue to access critical information and resources from trusted local providers to stay safe and healthy on the job.”
Senator Sullivan underscored the realities of the fleet saying fishermen “contend with extreme weather, long distances and periods away from shore and their families, and often strenuous working conditions- factors that contribute to the industry being consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the country.” He added that the act will support job safety training and “address behavioral health concerns to support our fishermen as they sustainably harvest a world-class renewable resource and strengthen our coastal economies.”
The legislation has broad support from coastal lawmakers. Senator Merkley (D-Ore.) noted that “Oregon’s commercial fishing industry is only as healthy as the people powering the industry,” adding that the bill provides communities “the training and resources they need to provide for their families and return home safely each night.”
Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King also emphasize the importance of strengthening safety and wellness programs. Collins said she is “proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to provide them with the safety training and behavioral health resources they need.” While King emphasized securing “the resources and support they deserve.”
Senator Shaheen (D-N.H.) also noted the importance of addressing substance use disorders, stating that daunting conditions “can challenge their mental and physical health,” and that strengthened research and training are essential.
As Eco reported, the FISH Wellness Act carries endorsements from Fishing Partnership Support Services, Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, Massachusetts Fishermen Partnership, New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance, Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, Alaska Marine Conservation Councils, and the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association.
