Alaska salmon fishermen have significantly higher rates of certain health problems than the general population, according to a new study conducted by the University of Washington School of Public Health in partnership with Alaska Sea Grant. The study identified noise-induced hearing loss, rotator cuff disorders and fatigue possibly associated with sleep apnea as being prevalent in this workforce.
The study began in early 2015 when Torie Baker, Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory agent based in Cordova, and members of Cordova District Fishermen United invited 600 salmon gillnet permit holders to answer health questions before and during the fishing season.
The research is among the first of its kind in the United States, according to the study’s authors. The peer-reviewed study was published in April 2018 in the Journal of Agromedicine.
Read more about the study on our website.
