Skip to main content

Golden, Young Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster Safety Programs for Maine Fishermen and Lobstermen

October 17, 2019

Golden, Young’s FISH SAFE Act would increase funding available for safety and training programs like those run by Maine Coast Fisheries Association, Maine Lobstermen’s Association, and the Maine Lobstering Union

WASHINGTON — Recognizing that fishing industry jobs are some of the most dangerous in the country, Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congressman Don Young (AK-At-Large) introduced the Funding Instruction for Safety Health, and Security Avoids Fishing Emergencies (FISH SAFE) Act today. The FISH SAFE Act is bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would increase the federal funding available for grants to support fishing safety training and research programs.

"I've met too many fishermen and lobstermen who have sustained a serious injury or have had a close call on the job," said Congressman Golden. "This bill would make fishing safety programs available to as many fishermen as possible to prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths. My bipartisan bill, introduced with Congressman Young, supports the work that the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, the Maine Lobstermen's Association, IAMAW Local 207, and other organizations are doing to train fishermen and lobstermen to stay safe on the water."

"Fishing is one of Alaska's most important industries, and we need to be doing all that we can to ensure our fishermen remain safe on the job," said Congressman Young. "The FISH SAFE Act is an important piece of legislation to provide the resources and training necessary to protect not only Alaska's fishermen, but fishermen across the country. I am proud to partner with Congressman Jared Golden on this critical issue, and look forward to continuing working with my friends on both sides of the aisle to support America's fishermen."

In 2018, the federal share of fishing safety training and research grants was reduced to 50 percent from 75 percent, leaving local organizations with higher costs to run these important safety programs. Golden and Young's bipartisan bill raises the federal share of fishing safety training and research grants back up to 75 percent. The FISH SAFE Act would also reauthorize the safety training and research programs for $6,000,000 a year for 2019-2021.

The FISH SAFE Act has the support of Maine organizations that advocate for fishermen and lobstermen.

"The health and safety of fishermen is something we think about every day. Fishermen take a lot of risks every time they leave the dock, so we can't forget that these men and women are family members, friends and neighbors and deserve our support as they deliver seafood to our plates. This past year, the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association invested in life rafts and safety gear to make available to our members so that no one ever has to choose between going fishing or being safe and we are excited that Congressman Golden believes just as strongly as we do about protecting the individuals who make up Maine's fishing industry." - Ben Martens, Executive Director, Maine Coast Fisheries Association

"Whether it's through advocacy, organizing, or education, MLA's mandate is to look out for lobstermen and their communities. There's no doubt that extends to lobstermen's safety on the water. MLA partners with Fishing Partnership Support Services and McMillan Offshore Survival to train lobstermen so they are prepared for the risks they face on the water every day. That's why we're glad to see Congressman Golden and Maine's delegation taking the lead to restore the funding we use to run these programs and prioritize the safety of the Maine lobstering community." - Patrice McCarron, Executive Director, Maine Lobstermen's Association

"Like all IAMAW locals, we believe in training our members and keeping them safe on the job. For IAMAW 207, it's especially important since lobstering is one of the most dangerous jobs out there. Our union has a fully staffed Safety and Health department that travels to job sites for year-round training. This legislation from Congressman Golden will help us offer these programs to lobstermen and continue to put a high priority on the safety and training of our members." - Dave Sullivan, Grand Lodge Representative, International Association of Machinists, Maine Lobstering Union, Local 207

Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) are cosponsors of the Senate legislation.

"Fishing is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States, and we need to make sure our fishermen are able to come back to dock every day and return to their families safe and sound," said Senator Markey. "This legislation provides our fishing community with the training and resources they need to do their jobs safely today and in the future. I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues on a bipartisan basis to include the FISH SAFE Act in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019."