Golden, Ezell, Van Drew, Gluesenkamp Perez, Peltola, Kiggans introduce bipartisan legislation to address mental health, safety issues in fishing industry

WASHINGTON — Representatives Jared Golden (ME-02), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Mary Peltola (AK-AL), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02) today introduced the Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement, or FISH Wellness, Act. The bill would increase access to health and safety services for commercial fishermen, and would be particularly focused on addressing substance use disorders and mental health issues, which remain a serious problem across the industry.  

“Maine fishermen have a dangerous job, and it’s vital they have the support they need to stay safe,” said Golden. “Keeping the industry sustainable is about more than the size of the catch — it’s also about keeping these Maine fishermen going, physically and mentally. I’m proud to help lead the effort to address an issue that’s crucial for so many of the men and women on our working waterfront.” 

“Fishermen play a massive role in feeding America and helping our coastal economies thrive, and we must continue to support them as they take on a difficult and often dangerous job,” said Ezell. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Golden on the FISH Wellness Act to help keep America’s fishermen safer and healthier.”

“Our fishermen play a pivotal role in feeding our nation, and they often do so in hazardous and unpredictable conditions,” said Van Drew. “This bill is a critically important investment in the mental and physical wellbeing of our fishermen and the maritime community as a whole.”

“Fishing is a tough, high-risk career putting food on America’s tables, and these skilled men and women deserve our respect. Their jobs support our lives, and our job is to support them in accessing the resources they need to stay safe on the job,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “This bipartisan legislation would help Southwest Washington fishermen access safety and mental health resources to deal with the fatigue and stress associated with their work.”

“Fishing is the backbone of Alaska’s economy,” said Peltola. “Commercial fishing has ranked as the most dangerous job in the nation for decades, with workers facing unpredictable weather, long workdays, and the unique dangers of working on the open ocean. I am proud to co-lead the FISH Wellness Act to help support fishermen with job training and other resources that will strengthen fishing communities and protect commercial fishermen as they work to provide us with sustainable, wild-caught seafood.”

“The fishing industry is such an important part of our regional economy and our way of life in southeast Virginia,” said Kiggans. “Unfortunately, fishermen often encounter occupational hazards that lead to mental health challenges and substance use disorders. That’s why I joined Congressman Golden in introducing the FISH Wellness Act, which would authorize additional funds for research and training programs to better address the wide range of occupational safety and health risks facing fishermen. I’m proud to advocate for our local fishermen and will continue to do everything I can to ensure they have the resources they need to stay safe and healthy on the job!”

“Working on the water is hard work and it takes a real toll on fishermen and our families,” said Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and Director of the Maine Lobstering Union. “The investments this bill would make in their health and safety would make a real difference in peoples’ lives, especially by preventing problems before they develop. The Maine Lobstering Union is grateful to Congressman Golden for his ongoing commitment to the industry.” 

“Our lobstermen and their families face unique safety, physical and behavioral health challenges because they work long hours at sea, often under dangerous conditions,” said Patrice McCarron, policy director for the Maine Lobstermen’s Association. “The Maine Lobstermen’s Association commends Congressman Golden for introducing this legislation,which would help improve the health and well-being of fishermen, who are the critical backbone of our coastal economy.”

“Fishermen are industrial athletes who work long hours in one of the most dangerous professions in the US,” said Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. “The mental and physical health of our fishermen is incredibly important if we want sustainable fisheries, vibrant fishing communities, and a next generation excited to continue harvesting the best seafood in the world here in Maine. This bill is a significant investment in our fishermen and an important step towards addressing those needs. We thank Congressman Golden for his work and the entire Maine delegation for their support for the industry.”

The Fish Wellness Act would expand existing programs for safety training in the commercial fishing industry to include a more comprehensive range of common physical and behavioral challenges, such as worker fatigue, substance use disorders, and mental health. According to the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, factors such as unpredictable hours, isolation, financial uncertainty and more contribute to “high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among fishermen.”

A version of the Fish Wellness Act has also been introduced in the Senate.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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