Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, which receives funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is concerned about recent cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that may end critical programs for commercial fishing safety in Alaska. The federal institute, NIOSH, has been responsible for funding safety training programs that have saved lives and reduced fatalities in the dangerous profession by roughly 80% since 1985.
The Alaska Marine Safety Association, also known as AMSEA, has been receiving roughly $750,000 annually in federal funding to provide safety trainings mandated by the Coast Guard for commercial fishing vessels. The recent cuts have led to hundreds of NIOSH staff losing their jobs, jeopardizing the continuation of these vital safety programs.
Without these safety trainings, fishermen may face difficulties passing vessel exams and responding to emergency situations at sea, potentially leading to illegal fishing activities. Alaska’s commercial fishing industry is already facing challenges, and the loss of these safety programs could exacerbate the crisis.
Alaska’s Republican U.S. senators are working to reinstate some positions and funding for NIOSH, highlighting the importance of the commercial fishing safety program to the state’s economy. However, the fate of the safety programs remains uncertain as the Department of Health and Human Services undergoes reorganization. The disruption caused by the cuts could have long-lasting impacts on the training infrastructure and safety of commercial fishermen.
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