CALL FOR SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

DUE DATE FOR ABSTRACTS IS JANUARY 15, 2009
NOW AVAILABLE: IFISH 4 ABSTRACT SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

IFISH 4 will focus on the prevention of work-related injuries and deaths to commercial fishermen, with particular focus on how fisheries management regimes affect the safety of fisheries, as well as programs, projects, and activities to improve the health of commercial fishermen. A special set of presentations will emphasize the relationship between safety and fisheries management policies. The conference will build on the previous IFISH conferences.

Previous IFISH conferences have been held in Woods Hole, Massachusetts; Sitka, Alaska, and Mamallapuram, India. The conferences have explored strategies to prevent fishermen from being injured or killed on the job through efforts such as improving vessel stability and hull integrity, making safety equipment such as immersion suits and life rafts more universally available, effective education and training, implementing safer fisheries management regimes, heeding weather information, averting falls overboard and addressing industrial safety problems that exist on board many fishing vessels.

IFISH 2 and IFISH 3 placed a special emphasis on papers and presentations describing programs, coalitions, and interventions with proven success to be applied to artisanal (small-scale) fishermen. The conferences continue to bring together colleagues interested in all aspects of fishing safety and health from around the world, in order to raise consciousness, build coalitions, disseminate information, and encourage action to prevent injury and improve health in the commercial fishing industry.

Key themes for IFISH 4 will be the relationship between fisheries management and safety, and productive sea safety collaborations between developed and developing nations.

Suggested Topics:

	Relationship between fishery management and safety
	Falling overboard prevention and rescue
	Model programs regarding commercial fishing injury prevention
	Safety management systems on fishing vessels
	Industrial/mechanical hazards and solutions on fishing vessels
	Community/industry-based research and interventions
	Improving vessel stability and hull integrity
	Safety and survival education and training
	Safety and protective equipment improvements – success stories and/or needs
	Cold hazards and cold injuries solutions
	Safety issues for artisanal and small-scale fishing operations

Please note that submission of abstracts on any topic relevant to fishing vessel safety and health is encouraged.

Due date for abstracts is January 15, 2009.

Please review the IFISH 4 abstract submission instructions.

For additional information about presenting papers, posters or workshops at IFISH 4 contact Jennifer Lincoln at NIOSH by email (jlincoln@cdc.gov)

Fishing vessels in Reykjavik Harbour
Photograph courtesy: True North