The Northeast Center and Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS) have teamed up to expand the Lifejackets for Lobstermen program. This expansion included updating program materials to be more inclusive of all Northeast fisheries and modifying Program administration to increase our ability to sustain this important Program. In order to take advantage of Lifejackets for Fishermen and receive a 50% rebate toward the purchase of a lifejacket of their choice, fishermen must participate in an FPSS safety training – Safety at Sea, Drill Conductor, or CPR/First Aid – or work with an FPSS Navigator. So far, more than 160 lifejackets have been distributed through Lifejackets for Fishermen and FPSS. To locate a nearby training or request Navigator services, fishermen can visit www.fishingpartnership.org.
In addition to working in the Northeast, the Northeast Center is working with partners at the Pacific Northwest Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (PNASH) to replicate this Program on the West Coast as part of their Fishermen Led Injury Prevention Program (FLIPP).
Both coasts are collecting survey and interview data from fishermen and community partners to better understand how these two programs work and what changes are necessary to ensure their sustainability. Together, the teams will compare the Northeast and Pacific Northwest regions to learn what it takes to expand evidence-based safety programs across US fisheries.
Information about the Northeast Center’s Lifejackets for Lobstermen can be found here.
Below is one of five new posters that encourage fishermen to contact Fishing Partnership Support Services for training and a 50-100% rebate from the purchase price of a lifejacket.
