Health
Sustainable Fishing Families Health and wellbeing of Australian fishers Dr Tanya King talks to us about the Sustainable Fishing Families program which addresses the health, wellbeing and safety issues facing those working in the Australian seafood industry. By Brad Roberts, Liaison Officer Victoria
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Fishing operators and their families experience unique challenges and high levels of psychological distressâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;almost twice that of the national average. These are the findings in the preliminary analysis of a recent survey led by Dr King.
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With common symptoms including difficulty sleeping, stress and trouble concentrating and remembering, it is easy to see how these symptoms could pose further safety risks for fishers on the job, and impact on productivity. The survey results pointed to a need for the Sustainable Fishing Families program. The aim of the program is to offer practical and positive strategies to promote the health and wellbeing of fishers, their families and the Australian fishing industry.
What the survey revealed
The anonymous survey captured responses from nearly one thousand fishers and family members from around Australia. Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responses to the survey showed two types of stressors impacting the fishing sector.
Image source: iStock.com/seamartini
Working Boats May 2018
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