Lawmakers push to expand mental health benefits for commercial fishermen
Courtesy / True Fin
Commercial fishermen would get increased support for mental health under a bill co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
Commercial fishermen would get increased support for mental health under a bill co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
A group of lawmakers from New England and Alaska introduced a proposal Thursday that says a federal program that protects the health and well-being of commercial fishermen should be expanded to include substance use disorder and worker fatigue.
“Commercial fishing is the second most dangerous job in the U.S. after logging and these workers require extra mental and behavioral health support due to the strenuous and challenging conditions of this valuable trade,” Andrea Tomlinson, founder and executive director of New England Young Fishermen's Alliance.
The lawmakers want to expand the Fishing Industry Safety, Health and Wellness Improvement Act, a federal commercial fishing occupational safety program that funds research and training. The program is designed to help the nation's fishermen with the often hazardous conditions they face at sea.
“Maine is known around the world for our proud fishing heritage,” said Collins. “The hard-working men and women that make up our state’s fishing industry face hazardous and unforgiving conditions.”
The lawmakers' proposed changes would increase the program’s annual funding from $6 million to $12 million.
“Providing our next generation of fishermen and women with the mental health and substance abuse care that they need is vital to the success of our industry,” said Tomlinson.
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