Bipartisan legislation continues federal support for life-saving safety training, research grant opportunities
Washington (November 20, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), members of the Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation, reintroduced the Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act. This bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research & Training Program and build upon its proven success to better address the range of on-the-job safety and health risks facing commercial fishermen today — including chronic fatigue and high rates of drug overdose, alcohol-related liver disease, and suicide. The FISH Wellness Act also would double the authorized funding level for the program, increasing grant availability and access from coast to coast.
Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) are cosponsors of the FISH Wellness Act.
“Our fishermen face demanding and dangerous working conditions on the water every single day—conditions that take both a physical and mental toll,” said Senator Markey. “The FISH Wellness Act would provide much-needed funding to ensure that fishermen continue to access critical information and resources from trusted local providers to stay safe and healthy on the job.”
“Fishermen contend with extreme weather, long distances and periods away from shore and their families, and often strenuous working conditions—factors that contribute to the industry being consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the country,” said Senator Sullivan. “I’m glad to introduce the FISH Wellness Act with Senator Markey, which would continue to fund job safety training opportunities and address behavioral health concerns to support our fishermen as they sustainably harvest a world-class renewable resource and strengthen our coastal economies.”
“Oregon’s commercial fishing industry is only as healthy as the people powering the industry,” said Senator Merkley. “This bipartisan legislation provides our fishing community with the training and resources they need to provide for their families and return home safely each night.”
“Maine is known around the world for our proud fishing heritage,” said Senator Collins. “The hard-working men and women that make up our state’s fishing industry face hazardous and unforgiving conditions, and I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to provide them with the safety training and behavioral health resources they need.”
“Our fishermen work in daunting conditions that can challenge their mental and physical health, which is why research and training for safety is so important,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m glad to join this bipartisan effort that would strengthen federal resources to help support the well-being of our fishermen, including by addressing substance use disorder.”
“Maine’s fishing industry is a pillar of our state’s economy, culture, and communities,” said Senator King. “Behind this iconic industry are the hard-working men and women across our state who often brave difficult conditions to carry on this proud Maine tradition. I’m proud to support the bipartisan FISH Wellness Act to secure them the resources and support they deserve.”
The FISH Wellness Act is endorsed by Fishing Partnership Support Services, Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, Massachusetts Fishermen Partnership, New England Young Fishermen's Alliance, Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance, Alaska Marine Conservation Councils, and the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association.
“This funding saves lives in the country’s most dangerous profession,” said J.J. Bartlett, Founder, President, and CEO of Fishing Partnership Support Services. “We’ve trained over 4,000 fishermen from Maine to South Carolina and they have told us harrowing stories about how they put their training to use to make it home alive. But there are still an estimated 30,000 untrained fishermen on the east coast alone. And they will not have access to training if this legislation fails. Thank you to Senator Markey for support of this critically necessary legislation; commercial fishing remains far too dangerous, and this legislation will move the industry forward in important ways.”
“Fishermen's lives are inherently risky and uncertain, whether it's navigating dangerous seas, volatile markets, changing regulations or skyrocketing expenses, the pressure is enormous. They need support tailored to the many difficult challenges they face,” said Aubrey Church, Fisheries Policy Director of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance. “Industry-led training and greater access to health programs are essential to their success and the success of our coastal communities. We are grateful to Senator Markey for understanding that these programs not only improve the daily lives of small business owners and their families, but save lives.”
“The FISH Wellness Act recognizes that healthy fisheries depend on healthy fishermen,” said Michelle Stratton, Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council. “For too long, the physical and mental strain carried by those who harvest our seafood has gone unseen. This bill strengthens the programs that keep fishermen safe, supports the wellbeing of coastal communities, and ensures that the next generation can continue this vital work. We are grateful to the bill’s sponsors for recognizing the human side of our nation’s seafood economy and investing in the people who sustain it.”
“Fishermen face an increasingly unpredictable work environment with more frequent and dramatic storms,” said Linda Behnken, Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermens Association and founding board member of the Fishing Communities Coalition. “Safety training and mental health support are critical to their survival. ALFA applauds senators Sullivan, Murkowski and Markey for recognizing the challenges our fishermen face every day and taking bold steps to keep them safe and thriving.”
“The commercial fishing industry fluctuates with logging, at being the most dangerous industry in our nation, with up to 45 deaths per 100,000 fishers,” said Andrea Tomlinson, Executive Director of the New England Young Fisherman’s Alliance. “Additionally, the industry is wrought with uncertainty, increasingly stringent regulations, and constant challenges to our fishermen and women's physical and mental health. We fully support the FISH Wellness Act and hope to see it get the bipartisan support it deserves.”
“Commercial fishing is the second most dangerous occupation in the U.S. Fishermen face risks such as vessel disasters, onboard injuries, and falls overboard,” said Dr. Leann Cyr, Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association. “On top of this, they often experience high-stress environments from the boat, crew, weather, regulations, economic uncertainty, lack of sleep, and musculoskeletal injuries just to name a few. This legislation supports the health and safety of fishermen through research and training that have contributed to an 80% decrease of commercial fishing fatalities since the 90s. This legislation also makes U.S. Coast Guard required training affordable and accessible to fishermen.”
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