Golden’s bill to address mental health, safety issues in fishing industry passes House
Golden’s bill was included in the House’s Coast Guard reauthorization, will be considered by Senate
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today released the following statement after the House voted to pass his Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act, which was included in a bill reauthorizing funding for the U.S. Coast Guard:
“Fishermen have been the foundation of Maine’s coastal communities for hundreds of years, and these investments in their safety will help sustain those communities for generations to come,” Golden said. “I’m proud to see so much bipartisan support for this bill from my colleagues and am eager to work with the Senate to get this across the finish line.”
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.”
The full Coast Guard Authorization Act passed the House by a vote of 376-16.
What they’re saying about the bill:
“Working on the water is hard work and it takes a real toll on fishermen and our families,” Virginia Olsen, commercial lobsterman and Director of the Maine Lobstering Union, said at the bill’s introduction. “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,” Patrice McCarron, Policy Director for the Maine Lobstermen’s Association said. “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,” Ben Martens, Executive Director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association said. “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.”
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