Toni Small of Ice House Oysters has been an aquaculture farmer with her husband John Cotton for five years. They currently farm diploid oysters in Port Clyde, Maine. John (62) has a traditional background in fishing, including tuna and other pelagic game fish, lobster, and groundfish. Toni (53) has a background in dance and became […]
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As published on Page 28 in the SEPTEMBER 2023 issue of Commercial Fisheries News Few jobs are as physically punishing as commercial fishing. The average day’s work would challenge any CrossFit program, with the added strain of being done in positions and conditions markedly less ideal than in the gym. The risk for musculoskeletal injuries, […]
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As published on Page 28 in the JUNE 2023 issue of Commercial Fisheries News By James Wall, Occupational Therapy Student University of Southern Maine From the moment you wrap your fingers around that first cup of coffee in the morning through hauling traps, handling line, and operating boats, your hands play a critical role […]
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As written in the January 2023 edition (Pg 28) of Commercial Fisheries News Each New Year, 30-50% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. The practice helps us frame a vision of where we want to be in the future and invites sober self-assessment. Weight loss tops the popularity list, but fitness goals in general are […]
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Reposted from Commercial Fisheries News, November 2022 by Brie Weisman, OTR/L with Maine AgrAbility It’s early morning. A cold, damp feel is in the air. You’re dressed for the elements, but a day of work awaits, maybe you’re hauling lobster traps, oyster bags, or line catching tuna. You already notice the soreness in your hands, […]
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by Brie Weisman, OTR/L with Maine AgrAbility Fishermen are at particular risk for slips, trips, and falls (STFs). On-deck injuries account for 12% of the fatal injuries and the largest number of hospitalized non-fatal injuries in the U.S., many caused by STFs. About a quarter of the industry’s deaths result from falls overboard. Boats in […]
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Reprinted from September 2022 Commercial Fisheries News by Brie Weisman, OTR/L with Maine AgrAbility Last month we discussed best practices to reduce slips, trips and falls (STFs) while fishing. This month we’ll cover exercises for a strong and limber core. Strength and agility dramatically reduce both the likelihood and severity of STFs. Because falls can be […]
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by Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist. Also published by Commercial Fisheries News July 2022 People might assume that commercial fishermen working on moving vessels cannot possibly be prone to dizziness; however, fishermen can suffer from dizziness just like anyone, and working at a taxing job on waves in the hot sun will only exacerbate the problem. […]
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by Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist. Also published by Commercial Fisheries News June 2022 Hollywood often gets things wrong, but when the Academy gave CODA the Oscar for best film, best adapted screenplay, and CODA’s Troy Kostur best-supporting actor, it got it right. Kostur played a deaf Gloucester fisherman, working on his boat alongside his deaf […]
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by Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News May 2022 “Industrial Athlete”, a relatively recent term, refers to workers in physically demanding jobs outside of sports. Being on your feet all day, doing physically demanding work while being exposed to weather, and keeping your balance on a boat requires prowess, strength, and […]
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