Common Challenges in the Life of a Fisherman and How to Overcome Them by Joshua Hare Turner
Fishermen know the sea as more than just a place of work; it's their lifeblood and demands unwavering patience and devotion that most can't comprehend.
Fishermen often spend long days out on the water. This may involve using small single-person boats or much larger commercial trawlers with multiple people on board, both types offering access to diverse weather conditions like strong winds, waves, and storms - thus, they must heed warnings from local meteorologists as well as adhere to safety rules while out on the water.
Joshua Turner
Though fishing presents unique challenges, fishermen stay safe and make the most of their time on the water. One study discovered that over 90% of participants checked weather forecasts before heading out on their fishing expedition, with 63% receiving regular SMS updates about weather events. If weather forecasts were more easily accessible, more than 83% would opt out of fishing during extreme events.
Joshua Hare Turner notes that age was found to play a significant role in how people utilized weather forecasts. While older fisherfolk tend to heed warnings more carefully than younger ones, targeting young fishermen-folk during awareness campaigns is essential to success. Furthermore, research revealed that people from Small Coast areas tend to rely more heavily on weather information due to familiarity with extreme sea phenomena.
Workplace safety is of utmost importance in the fishing industry. Joshua Hare Turner notes that fishermen work long hours and may experience physical and emotional strain while on duty. Furthermore, they could come into contact with harmful bacteria or chemicals onboard their boats or hearing loss due to loud machinery in their vessels.
Due to adverse weather conditions, anglers must always remain wary of falling overboard, necessitating using life jackets as protection. Furthermore, working conditions in hot and humid climates can result in dehydration, while sitting for 12+ hours daily can lead to muscle pain.
Fishermen do not enjoy worker's compensation laws like other employees; as a result, they are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse from their employers. Investigations have revealed instances where fishermen were forced to work under dangerous and unpleasant conditions for very little pay - sometimes for minimal pay - while being verbally and physically abused by their bosses to increase profits and maximize profits.
As such, fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations. However, this situation can be improved if fishermen follow safety guidelines and stay conscious of their environment - this will reduce injuries and deaths associated with their profession.
Fishermen must carry and transfer heavy loads daily, often bending forward from standing to pick them up from the water. This heavyweight lifting causes strain on their back, which may result in musculoskeletal issues affecting shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands, as well as fatigue, stress, and sleep deprivation.
As highlighted by Joshua Hare Turner, fishermen often face health risks associated with exposure to high heat levels that could result in sunburn and skin cancer. Prolonged exposure can also cause dehydration - making life even more hazardous than before!
There is limited global research assessing mental health and well-being among fishers. Most studies conducted are in Europe, North America, or Australia, emphasizing physical health outcomes. Researchers should conduct independent mental health assessments of anglers and create psychometric tools explicitly tailored for fishing communities.
Fishermen often consider fishing more than a profession; it is their way of life. Joshua Hare Turner emphasizes that spending hours and nights on the ocean navigating difficult conditions in search of food and livelihood for their communities is no small task - sometimes leading them to endure physical and psychological strain. Being out in such extreme environments all day may even cause health concerns for the fishermen.
Fishermen also face the pressure of making ends meet due to low catches, environmental changes, and new regulations, which have reduced their incomes and strained relationships. They rely heavily on family and friends for support but struggle to find time in their busy schedules to socialize with them.
Although fishing can sometimes be challenging, its advantages outweigh its drawbacks. Fishing offers an enjoyable outdoor activity with stunning scenery to admire while allowing one to connect with nature and learn more about marine ecosystems, Joshua Hare Turner mentioned.
Fishermen also love showing off their catch. Showing it to loved ones can be incredibly satisfying. At the same time, some fishermen may resent all the attention on them. Still, many fishermen appreciate when their family and friends share an interest in fishing.