Study: Health issues in fishing

A new study by the Washington School of Public Health and the Alaska Sea Grant Program found significant health issues, likely work-related, among Alaska gillnet fishermen. The 2015 study assessed health among gillnet harvesters in the Copper River fishery. Eighty percent of fishermen surveyed reported hearing losses compared with 15 percent among Americans between 20 years and 69 years of age. Forty percent reported rotator cuff problems compared with 8 to 10 percent among the general population, the study said. Hearing loss would likely be connected with exposure to engine noise; rotator cuff problems with the hand work associated with handling salmon. The study highlights yet another labor issue connected with small-boat commercial fishing, which is experiencing a number of workforce issues.