FishAbility
FishAbility supports fishermen and women who experience barriers to employment such as aging, injury, or chronic illness.
What is Maine FishAbility?
FishAbility is part of the Maine AgrAbility Program. The mission is to work with fishermen whose productivity has been impacted by chronic illness or injury. We offer resources and information to help them remain successfully employed.
How can FishAbility help?
We offer practical solutions to help fishermen work safely and productively. Consultation services include:
- On-site assessment
- Education and training
- Support advocacy
- Community connections
- Safety planning
- Equipment modification ideas
- Connection to business planning
We network with agricultural professionals, employment specialists, and health care providers to connect fishermen and their families with available resources. Services are available at no charge.
Who can use FishAbility?
We work with owners, operators, managers, employees and family members of fishing businesses who experience barriers of aging, injury and chronic illness such as, but not limited to:
- Arthritis
- Back pain and injury
- Hearing and vision related issues
- Spinal cord injury
- Heart conditions and stroke
- Limb loss
- Head injury
- PTSD
- Mental health issues
For more information
Maine AgrAbility Project
207.944.1533
1.800.287.1471 (in state only)
maine.agrability@maine.edu
Aquaculture Network Resources
Connect with state and national agencies that working together to maximize the success of fishing and aquaculture in Maine.
- Maine Aquaculture Association
- Maine Lobstermen’s Association — The MLA advocates for a sustainable lobster resource and the fishermen and communities that depend on it.
- Maine Sea Grant College Program at the University of Maine. In partnership with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, members of our Marine Extension Team work on issues of concern to Maine’s coastal communities.
Fishing Safety
Northeast Center for Occupational Safety and Health: Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Similar to farming and forestry, commercial fishing operations are characterized by long work hours, strenuous labor and hazardous working conditions combined with unpredictable weather.