Researching Marine Safety in Alaska's Commercial Setnet Fishery

This community-based research project works with Alaska setnet fishermen to develop culturally relevant marine safety training and outreach aimed at reducing fatalities.

Occupational health research in commercial fishing has demonstrated a need for tailored interventions. This is especially true for Alaska Native workers and salmon set gillnet fishermen who are experiencing the highest fatality rates in Alaska. The unique salmon set gillnet fishing communities have their own traditional safety knowledge that needs to be acknowledged and utilized in any successful outreach effort or training initiative. AMSEA is leading a 3-year, community based participatory research project with the objective to reduce marine fatalities for salmon set gillnetters.

The project has 4 stages:

1) Identify needs, barriers, motivators, and best practices to influence marine safety behaviors

2) Use community-based strategies to promote participation in training and increased use of life saving equipment

3) Develop and conduct tailored trainings based on needs, barriers, motivators, and best practices

4) Evaluate the training and outreach efforts

5) Share findings with fishermen, training centers, stakeholders in marine safety, and the research community.

We are currently in stage 3 of this project.