Pilot/Feasibility Study of Gulf Coast Commercial Fishers’ Health Outcomes

The pilot and feasibility study of health outcomes for Gulf Coast fishers is funded by the SW Ag Center. 

Although falls overboard, vessel disasters, and traumatic injuries are persistent concerns for commercial fishers, little is known about how to translate research findings to influence and improve maritime policy and practice. Moreover, the dearth of knowledge on the social context of workplace arrangements and the social determinants of health obscures the structural, geographic, historical, political, and economic factors that contribute to health disparities among commercial fishers. The future of work equity demands a research agenda that looks at occupational health holistically, including a focus on social and economic risk factors and a specification of social policies and policy prescriptions to promote equity in the workplace. Further, using science to improve occupational health policies for commercial fishing industries requires a synthesis of knowledge and an in-depth analysis. To address these gaps in knowledge, we examine commercial fishers’ oral history interviews to study the social and structural factors that impact their health outcomes. This data will inform future research translation to policymakers and practitioners to prevent traumatic injuries and their adverse health effects.