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Despite some successes in reducing work-related injuries and fatalities within the commercial fishing industry, commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Targeted research and training that address best practices to reduce occupational safety risk in the commercial fishing industry are critical. To this end, the Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research and Training Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was created to advance fishing safety research and provide targeted, regionally appropriate training for the commercial fishing industry.

This program is a partnership between the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and NIOSH. The Program provides funding opportunities to qualified individuals in academia, members of non-profit organizations, municipalities, and businesses involved in the United States commercial fishing industry. The funding supports research and training to help improve the safety and health of commercial fishermen. Awards can range from $150 – $975 thousand per project period.

Since the inception of the Commercial Fishing Research and Training Program in 2018, approximately $12 million in research and $11 million in training grants have been awarded to support 17 research and 15 training projects, respectively. Research and training applications from different regions of the U.S. and on various commercial fishing topics have been received and awarded. Notable highlights from the research and training projects will be presented.

The objectives of this presentation are to:

1. Provide an overview of the NIOSH-USCG Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research and Training Program.
2. Highlight preliminary findings from research and training project grants.
3. Provide information on the application process and Frequently Asked Questions.

This presentation will provide the audience with information on available opportunities to help improve efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities in the commercial fishing industry.

The commercial fishing industry in Alaska has experienced a significant decline in the fatality rate since 1990. This has also influenced the reduction of casualties and fatalities in the rest of the United States over the last 33 years. Alaska’s reduction, from 210 fatalities in the decade of the 1990s to 62 fatalities from 2010-2020 (and 25 consecutive months without a fatality from 2021-2023) is cause for reflection and analysis of what works correctly in the fishing industry. This presentation will share how Regulation, Rationalization, Innovation, Collaboration, and Training have been viewed as the key components that aided in reducing fatalities in small indigenous/artisanal fisheries in Alaska and large-scale industrial fishing operations alike. “Regulation” creates the framework and minimal carriage of emergency gear and training requirements. “Rationalization” through fishery management policies creates safer approaches to fishing. “Collaboration” creates the necessary relationships with industry and agency partners to share in implementing efforts and compare data to understand trends. “Innovation” allows for alternative approaches to create more practical solutions to regulatory requirements. “Training” creates the muscle memory required to act effectively in an emergency. Our lessons learned, partnerships, and data collected over a 33-year period were instrumental in advancing the commercial fishing vessel safety program from its early voluntary compliance roots to an established and embraced standard in the industry in Alaska. This presentation will describe a successful approach to commercial fishing safety with an international audience in mind, while also learning from and exchanging ideas with international peers on their respective successes and lessons learned.

An accident in Gladak Beach, Tulungagung involving two fishing boats causing them to be overturned by the waves and hit the reef. This accident resulted in four fishermen missing and four others managed to survive. As a nation boasting 636 seaports and 446 river and lake ports, Indonesia continues to experience a considerable number of maritime accidents. The primary issue persists because of inadequate oversight in ensuring compliance with safety regulations for boats. According to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), inadequate supervision continues to be the primary contributing cause to marine accidents. Consequently, the incidence of marine accidents remains substantial, resulting in fatalities and inflicting bodily harm upon many individuals.

Our preliminary finding shows that Indonesia has shifted its focus on disaster preparedness from government-centered to public-private partnerships. This can be seen from the fundamental principles and Article 28 of Law Number 24 of 2007 on Disaster Management that allow private actors to play part in disaster management. This shift of approach enables private entities and communities to become active participants rather than passive recipients of information or instruction.

This essay proposes that the implementation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a proactive, collaborative, and multifaceted strategy that engages many stakeholders, particularly corporate companies and regional government authorities, can serve as one of the ways to tackle the systemic problems causing maritime disasters. Through a collaborative effort, the regional government of Tulungagung and the private sector may use their respective knowledge, resources, and expertise to develop comprehensive projects aimed at enhancing maritime safety and preparedness

In 2017, FAO received the mandate on social responsibility from Members to address social issues in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Through a comprehensive and inclusive consultation process, FAO is developing a practical and voluntary guidance to improve decent working conditions throughout the fisheries and aquaculture value chains. The FAO Guidance on Social Responsibility in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Value Chains will be based on existing international conventions, agreements, and standards addressing human and labour rights, decent working conditions, and social protection. The target audience of the FAO Guidance is the industry; however, it can be also a valuable reference instrument for policymakers, regional fisheries bodies (RFB), regional fisheries management organisations (RFMO), and civil society. The presentation will give an overview of the FAO Guidance, as well as the process and further developments.