Tag Archives: New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance
The next generation of commercial fishing in New England
Commercial fishing has been part of New England’s economy and culture for centuries, but it now faces challenging headwinds. The average age of a commercial fishing boat captain in northern New England is between 58 and 60 years old, says Andrea Tomlinson, founder and executive director of New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance. The non-profit is working to bring a new generation into leadership through its “Deckhand to Captain” training program. Video, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 05:56
One giant leap for fishermen’s mental health
In Dec. 2021, representatives of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and NAMI Maine published a column in the Portland Press Herald headlined: “We need more awareness of mental health stresses on Maine’s fishermen.” This week, nearly two years to the day, Sens. Susan Collins, Edward Markey and Dan Sullivan introduced the Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act to better address the range of occupational safety and health risks facing fishermen, including worker fatigue and substance use disorder. MCFA is thankful to the senators for spearheading this effort, and to our colleagues at the Fishing Partnership Support Services and New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance who champion and advocate for efforts to support the health, well being and safety of commercial fishermen. more, >>click to read<< 09:34
Susan Collins and other lawmakers seek to expand health support for commercial fishermen
A federal program that protects the health and wellbeing of commercial fishermen should be expanded to include substance use disorder and worker fatigue, a group of lawmakers from New England and Alaska said. The lawmakers want to expand a federal commercial fishing occupational safety program that funds research and training. The program is designed to help the nation’s fishermen with the often hazardous conditions they face at sea.Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who is one of the lawmakers pushing for the change, said expanding the program would help fishermen access more safety training and mental health resources., more, >>click to read<< 10:08
Young Fishermen Are Struggling to Stay Afloat
Lucas Raymond has been working as a deckhand on a boat that catches monkfish, pollock, hake, and occasional cod out of New Hampshire’s Rye Harbor for the last decade. His fishing trips often involve navigating rough, stormy waters and typically last two to three days, but the 30-year-old enjoys doing physical work outside. “Even at the end of a very hard day, it’s rewarding,” Raymond says. Like many sectors, commercial fishing is facing a worker shortage, with too few young fishermen coming in to replace the aging workforce. The average age of groundfish and lobster captains in New England is 55 years old, >click to read< 07:52
Teaching the next generation of New England fishermen
Gary Glidden prepares the Last Penny for another day on the water, sharpening knives and warming up the inboard motor. It’s become second nature to the Portsmouth fisherman of 40 years, who has spent 10 of those training 29-year-old Jake Eaton. The two work 10- to 12-hour days. Not much needs to be said between work partners and family members. “He was dating my daughter. I needed help, and he needed a job, so it was a fit,” Glidden said. “I’m really happy for him. I know he’ll do good, and it’s the way it should be.” >click to read< 08:36
