How can governments and fishermen collaborate to participate in a fishing ban for ecological restoration?

To safeguard aquatic ecosystems and fishery resources while facilitating cooperative engagement between local governments and fishermen, an evolutionary game model featuring both stakeholders has been constructed in this study. The model examines the degree of compliance with ecological restoration policies linked to fishing bans, as well as the adaptive strategies of different types of fishermen with varied incentives while simulating the ecological restoration policy under diverse scenarios. The findings suggest that: (1) Compliance with the fishing ban policy among fishermen is determined by their economic interests, environmental preferences, and government regulations, while its enforcement by local authorities is influenced by regulatory costs, political performance, and reputation. (2) Variations in the ecological restoration policy of fishing bans result from several factors, including punitive measures and compensation. The higher the penalty, the greater the chance of compliance among fishermen, and the higher the restoration degree of the watershed ecosystem. Conversely, the higher the compensation, the more satisfied the fishermen are with the fishing ban policy, and the smoother the transformation of their livelihoods. (3) To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of fishing bans, it is essential to consider the interests of multiple stakeholders and adopt a coordination mechanism that facilitates the design of a reasonable and effective incentive-compatible system, thereby increasing the fairness and acceptability of the policy. This study provides a new theoretical framework and methodology applicable to ecological restoration policies for fishery closures on a global scale, accompanied by robust data support and theoretical guidance for developing and implementing fishery closure policies.

Can government subsidies promote the construction of "Blue Basic Farmland"? Analysis of multi-subject management model in mariculture areas

The implementation of the "Blue Basic Farmland" system for farming ocean is a crucial strategy to ensure food security. This study simulates and analyzes the impact of government fishery subsidies on promoting "Blue Basic Farmland" construction. A tripartite evolutionary game model involving the government, fishermen and fishery enterprises was used". Subsequently, the fishery subsidy strategy of "Blue Basic Farmland" construction was simulated and analyzed. The following findings are derived. First, fishery subsidies contributed to "Blue Basic Farmland" construction by promoting the participation of fishing enterprises and supporting fishermen. Second, the amounts of fishery subsidies were not the high the better, and different amounts of fishery subsidies had varying effects. Third, subsidizing fishery enterprises was more effective in promoting the construction of "Blue Basic Farmland" compared to subsidizing fishermen. In light of these findings, we proposed the following policy recommendations. The government ought to establish subsidies specifically tailored for "Blue Basic Farmland" construction, while also judiciously controlling the subsidies amounts. Moreover, the focus of these subsidies should be directed towards supporting fishery enterprises.

Fishermen and the Risk of Toxic Fumes from the Fish Storage Tanks

Haroon H, Naik SB. Fishermen and the Risk of Toxic Fumes from the Fish Storage Tanks. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(3):307-308.

Heavy Metal and Trace Element Levels in Hair Samples from Fishermen in Turkey: The Fish/Ermen Heavy Metal Study (FHMS)

Toxic chemicals from polluted seas can enter the human body through seafood consumption and cause health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of selected heavy metals and trace elements among fishermen who frequently consumed seafood and controls who consumed seafood less frequently in four provinces on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, which is heavily polluted by industrial activities. Fourteen elements (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc) were analyzed in hair samples using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer method. Levels of arsenic (0.147 ± 0.067 µg/g vs. 0.129 ± 0.070 µg/g, p = 0.025), chromium (0.327 ± 0.096 µg/g vs. 0.269 ± 0.116 µg/g, p < 0.01), nickel (0.469 ± 0.339 µg/g vs. 0.403 ± 0.368 µg/g, p = 0.015), strontium (1.987 ± 1.241 µg/g vs. 1.468 ± 1.190 µg/g, p < 0.01), and zinc (103.3 ± 43.1 µg/g vs. 92.7 ± 37.4 µg/g, p = 0.047) were higher in the fisherman group than in the control group. No difference was found between the groups in terms of other elements. The findings suggest that heavy metal-trace element contamination in the Sea of Marmara may increase the exposure levels of individuals to some chemicals through seafood consumption.

Relationship of personal, situational, and environmental factors to injury experience in commercial fishing

INTRODUCTION

Commercial fishing work involves a variety of activities and is hazardous. While much is understood to mitigate fatalities in this industry, research must further explore nonfatal injury characteristics, factors related to injury, and potential injury prevention strategies. This paper determines if fishing experience is associated with injury risk and explores common work activities associated with injury.

METHOD

Key informant interviews and a survey of fishermen were conducted to refine work activity codes and collect injury experiences. Independent sample t-tests compared the means of the years fishing by injury incident for all crab fishermen then stratified by position. Descriptive statistics explored the nature of injury in relation to work activity.

RESULTS

The level of experience was significantly lower for injured fishermen compared to fishermen who reported no injuries, but when stratified by position at the time of the injury, the association of injury to experience was only significant for owners. This stratified result demonstrates that the work activity, rather than experience, drives the apparent relationship of experience to injury. Being tired (24%) and weather (26%) were indicated as contributing factors at the time of injury.

CONCLUSION

Modifying the work environment to better control hazards would benefit all fishermen, regardless of their experience, age, or position. Further work into effective interventions that fishermen would adopt is needed to reduce injury risk. Any formal or informal training of new fishermen should focus on the most hazardous activities, but more experienced fishermen would also benefit. Additionally, effective training or interventions for fatigue management, and decision support tools for weather- and navigation-related decisions would further reduce risk of at sea injuries.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Injury prevention training, for all fishermen, regardless of their position and years of experience, should cover the most hazardous tasks, fatigue risk management strategies, and weather decisions.

Survey on sea snakebite and related morbidity and mortality among Bangladeshi fishermen in the Bay of Bengal: A pilot study

Around two million people are engaged in marine fishing in the Bay of Bengal. Bites by sea snakes were common hazards feared by millions fishing at sea in earlier days. Current morbidity and mortality are also not known. This study was conducted to document and describe sea snake bites among selected communities of sea-going fishermen in Bangladesh. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2019 among three communities of sea-going fishermen living along the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Cox's Bazar district. Fishermen were first asked by trained interviewers to recall any sea snakebites to themselves and among their fellows on board within the last year, then within the last 5 years and at any time before that. For any bite, related information including outcome was noted. Overall, 25.4% of respondents (62 out of 244) had been bitten by sea-snakes. Mean age was 37.6(±14) years; all males. 51.6% received some sort of treatment locally; 71% hot compress and 48% tourniquets. In 80.6% the affected limb was not immobilized. The bitten site was incised in 29%. 22.6% received treatment from traditional healers, 48.4% from local hospitals, 29% from district hospital. Six victims (9.7%) suffered from severe life-threatening consequences of the sea snakebite but none died. 32% of the fishermen had seen the offending snake. Sea snakebites are potentially dangerous; therefore, educating fishermen to avoid contact with sea snakes would dramatically reduce the incidence of sea snakebites. Most bites are treated initially by local measures which are often not scientific. Provision of proper first aid and treatment might reduce mortality and morbidity. A larger survey on sea snake bites among the fishermen in all coastal areas of Bangladesh is needed to determine the nationwide burden of morbidity and mortality related to sea snakebite.

Detection of male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) by real-time TaqMan® PCR analysis of semen from fishermen along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi

Background

Male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) is an underappreciated complication of schistosomiasis, first described in 1911. However, its epidemiology, diagnostic testing and case management are not well understood in sub-Saharan Africa. To shed new light on MGS prevalence in Malawi, a longitudinal cohort study was conducted among adult fishermen along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi using detection of schistosome DNA in participants' semen by real-time TaqMan® PCR analyses.

Methods

Upon recruitment of 376 participants, 210 submitted urine samples and 114 semen samples for parasitological tests. Thereafter, the available semen samples were subsequently analysed by real-time TaqMan® PCR. Praziquantel (PZQ) treatment was provided to all participants with follow-ups attempted at 1, 3, 6 and 12-months' intervals.

Results

At baseline, real-time PCR detected a higher MGS cohort prevalence of 26.6% (n = 64, Ct-value range: 18.9-37.4), compared to 10.4% by semen microscopy. In total, 21.9% of participants (n = 114) were detected with MGS either by semen microscopy and/or by real-time PCR. Subsequent analyses at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups indicated variable detection dynamics.

Conclusions

This first application of a molecular method, to detect MGS in sub-Saharan Africa, highlights the need for development of such molecular diagnostic tests which should be affordable and locally accessible. Our investigation also notes the persistence of MGS over a calendar year despite praziquantel treatment.

Prevalence of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders among Fishermen Population in and around Pondicherry, South India - A Cross Sectional Study

Context

In India fishing is a traditional occupation second only to agriculture. Fishermen are a marginalized group with high levels of occupational stress predisposing them to develop addictions to tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut chewing. These habits are well-established causes of developing oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders among the fishermen population in and around Pondicherry.

Settings and Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods and Material

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire to assess the prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders among the fishermen population in and around Pondicherry.

Statistical Analysis Used

Descriptive statistics were used with Pearson's correlation.

Results

The study showed 24.8% of fishermen consumed tobacco, and 7.3% consumed both tobacco and alcohol. Oral potentially malignant disorders were seen in 16.79% of the population.

Conclusions

The fishermen had a higher rate of addictions to tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut chewing and a higher prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders.

Utilizing Haddon matrix to assess nonfatal commercial fishing injury factors in Oregon and Washington

BACKGROUND

Commercial fishing is a precarious industry with high fatal and nonfatal injury rates. The Risk Information System of Commercial [RISC] Fishing project at Oregon State University has been tracking both fatal and nonfatal injuries among Oregon and Washington commercial fishermen. We examined the utility of the RISC dataset variables in highlighting injury factors and prevention opportunities.

METHOD

We identified 245 nonfatal commercial fishing injuries in Oregon and Washington (2000-2018) and assessed the top three injury events (contact with objects or equipment, transportation incidents, and slips/trips/falls) using a cross-sectional design. We generated a Haddon matrix for each event type and populated the matrices with injury-associated factors following our a-priori matrix.

RESULTS

We observed 108 nonfatal injuries due to contact with objects. Contact injuries occurred during fishing (40%) with fishing gears (40%), often while hauling the fishing gear (22%). Common injury mechanisms included getting caught in running equipment or machinery (19%) or compressed by shifting objects or equipment (18%). Of the 58 transportation injuries most occurred in catchers (93%) and smaller vessels (1 to 3 crew) (55%). Vessel casualties were common as several vessels struck rocks/bottom (29%) or experienced fire and explosion (19%). The crew was abandoned to water (38%), often due to no raft or raft malfunctions (19%). Slip/trip/fall injuries (n = 43) typically happened during onboard traffic (49%). Such events were largely experienced by the catcher-processors (44%) including large vessels with > 100 crew (28%).

CONCLUSION

The Haddon matrix demonstrated the injury-event timeline and helped to identify potential injury-associated factors. Our injury-specific risk matrices will let commercial fishing stakeholders determine priorities and work with the experts on prevention efforts.

Have you met Angus? Development and evaluation of a social marketing intervention to improve personal flotation device use in commercial fishing

INTRODUCTION

Drowning is the leading cause of death among commercial fishermen in the United States. Approximately 30% of all commercial fishing fatalities are attributed to falls overboard. One of the simplest and most affordable ways to prevent these fatalities is for crewmembers to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) while on deck. An examination of over 200 fatal falls overboard in the U.S. fishing industry revealed that none of the victims were wearing PFDs when they died. PFDs are not required to be worn by commercial fishermen in the United States, so this study was designed to encourage behavior change using targeted health communication and social marketing.

METHODS

This study developed, implemented, and evaluated a multi-media social marketing campaign featuring a fictitious, culturally-relevant spokesman designed to look, talk, and act like the target audience. The messages were crafted to address common barriers to PFD adoption and misconceptions about fleet-specific risks for fatalities from falls overboard. The campaign was evaluated over two seasons of fishing to look at message retention and intent toward action following exposure to the campaign materials.

RESULTS

Survey respondents indicated overall positive opinions about the spokesman and the messages. Results also show a reported change in behavior related to using PFDs while working on deck.

DISCUSSION

Targeted multi-media messaging can influence behavior of workers in high-risk occupations in remote locations. Safety message development should focus on occupational culture to create valid and authentic communication products for workers in high-risk industries.

Conservation status and cultural values of sea turtles leading to (un)written parallel management systems in Fiji

Globally and locally, conservationists and scientists work to inform policy makers to help recovery of endangered sea turtle populations. In Fiji, in the South Pacific, sea turtles are protected by the national legislation because of their conservation status, and are also a customary iTaukei resource. Centered on our interview-based study at Qoma and Denimanu villages, parallel management systems coexist, where both the (written) national legislation and the (unwritten) customary iTaukei rules determine the time and the quantity of sea turtle harvest. In addition, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions may influence local sea turtle management by providing scientific awareness and helping divert the economic values from the meat to the living animal. We suggest that the government and non-governmental organizations emphasize community management of sea turtles, and work alongside the customary chiefs and their fishing clans to understand the real harvest (eventually by allowing quotas) and to monitor the recovery of South Pacific sea turtles in Fijian waters.

Musculoskeletal disorders problems and its relation to age, working periods, and smoking habit among fishermen

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we conducted a research to determine the relationship between ages, working period, and smoking habit with the musculoskeletal disorder in fishermen.

METHOD

This type of research is analytic survey research with a cross-sectional study. The population in this study totaled 224 people with 56 samples as respondents. Nordic Body Map (NBM) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were used as a questionnaire instrument.

RESULTS

The result showed that the age variable has p=0.658 and the smoking habit has p=1.000, this indicates that age and smoking habit variables do not have a significant relationship with musculoskeletal disorders. Meanwhile, the working period variable has a result of p=0.015, it can be said that the work period has a significant relationship with musculoskeletal disorders.

CONCLUSION

The respondents who were quite old were still fit for work and did not have as many musculoskeletal complaints as they should be for their age. Likewise with the smoking habit of fishermen who are more enthusiastic and motivated to work. Meanwhile, the work period has more influence on the complaints of musculoskeletal disorders among fishermen.

Evidence of the moderating role of hair cortisol and hair cortisone in the relationship between work stress and depression symptoms among Chinese fishermen

BACKGROUND

Stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of depression through functional changes to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key output of which is the stress hormone cortisol. But the precise relationship between HPA axis activity and depression remains unclear, in part because mostly cortisol measurement only provides reflect acute or short-term fluctuations. In this study, hair cortisol and its metabolite cortisone were measured in a prospective, pre and post follow-up study of working stress and depressive symptoms in Chinese fishermen. We evaluated HPA activity, work stress, and depression symptoms before and after fishing to determine whether cortisol and cortisone in hair can moderate the work stress and depression symptoms of Chinese fishermen.

METHODS

Hair cortisol, hair cortisone, work stress, and depression were measured in Chinese fishermen (n=229; age 16-65) before and after 1-3 months at sea. A week after the fishermen returned, they provided 2-4 cm hair segments closest to the scalp. We measured hair cortisol and hair cortisone using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The work stress and hair cortisol of fishermen before fishing were significantly higher than those after fishing, while hair cortisone was lower. There was no significant difference in depressive symptoms. Fishermen with low hair cortisol or high hair cortisone were more likely to show depressive symptoms after experiencing stress, and were less likely to show depressive symptoms when faced with lower levels of work stress, consistent with the differential susceptibility model.

LIMITATIONS

The assumption of an average hair growth of 1 cm/month may cause time overlap between pre- and post-fishing, and time error between the hormone data and questionnaire collection. The present study evaluated only two observation points. The use of self-report scales may affect interpretability of the results. Finally, the study used a limited sample of marine fishermen working out of a single location in Hainan province, China.

CONCLUSIONS

Hair cortisol and hair cortisone appear to have a moderating role in the relationship between work stress and depressive symptoms among fishermen, which fits with the differential susceptibility model of depression. However, their mechanisms of moderation are not the same, which may reflect the complexity of physiological indicators.

Experiences of citizenship in precarization: An ethnography from northern Colombia in the time of COVID-19

This article is the result of qualitative research on current ways of being a citizen in northern Colombia during the era of COVID-19. In a region characterized by impoverished communities, the study area becomes a privileged place in which to understand how communities in so-called “developing countries” face a pandemic with their local resources. To place the reader, we discuss the history of this place, the town of Taganga, located in the city of Santa Marta in northern Colombia. Likewise, its culture and social structure are described, as well as the current situation related to access to electricity, water, garbage collection, and food. The article shows how, through local means, today's communities seek to establish settlements with essential services, such as water and electricity, without any relationship with the state.

Health-Related Exposures and Conditions among US Fishermen

Commercial fishing is a high-risk occupation, yet there is a lack of surveillance documenting health conditions, health behaviors, and health care coverage among US fishermen. We used publicly available data sources to identify exposures and health outcomes common among fishermen. We utilized the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-Worker Health Charts to estimate the prevalence of general exposures, psychosocial exposures, health behaviors, and health conditions from the national surveys National Health Interview Survey - Occupational Health Supplement (NHIS-OHS, 2015) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (2013-2015). We compared fishing workers with both agricultural workers and all-workers. Fishermen commonly reported general exposures, psychosocial exposures, non-standard work arrangements, frequent night shifts, and shift work. The prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome (33%) and severe low-back pain (27%) was also high. Smoking (45%) and second-hand smoke exposure (25%) were widespread, and 21% reported no health care coverage. National household surveys such as NHIS-OHS, and BRFSS can be utilized to describe the health status of fishermen. This workforce would benefit from increased access to health care and health promotion programs. More comprehensive evaluations of existing data can help to identify occupation-specific health challenges.

Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Whole-Blood Samples of the Fishermen in Turkey: The Fish/Ermen Heavy Metal Study (FHMS)

Selected heavy metal-trace element (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, and V) levels were determined by the ICP-MS method in whole-blood samples of fishermen and control group who accommodate in four provinces of the Marmara Sea. Mercury (1.267 ± 1.061 µg/L to 0.796 ± 0.853 µg/L) and lead (17.8 ± 9.0 µg/L to 12.0 ± 6.83 µg/L) levels were higher in the fishermen group than that of control group (p < 0.001 for both). There was no difference between the fishermen group and the control group in terms of whole-blood levels of other elements. Total monthly fish consumption was 9340.4 gr in the fishermen group and 326.4 gr in the control group, and the difference between the groups was significant (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in terms of having amalgam dental filling (p > 0.05). The results suggest that consuming high amounts of sea products caught from the Marmara Sea is a source for some heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which poses a public health risk. Unlike the control group, the positive correlation between arsenic, copper, and strontium levels and age in fishermen can also be evaluated as an indicator of chronic exposure.

A cross-sectional study to identify the determinants of non-communicable diseases among fishermen in Southern India

Background

India is currently facing a rising epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Identification of modifiable risk factors is of paramount importance to curb this menace. Fishermen are one of the most vulnerable occupational groups with unique characteristics that make them prone to acquire NCDs, as a significant share of their life is spent at sea. Hence, this study was planned to ascertain the burden of NCDs, determine various risk factors of NCDs, and measure the association between risk factors and NCDs among fishermen of Coastal Karnataka in South India.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 681 fishermen aged 18 years and above as per the semi-structured interview schedule for two years (2017–2019). A convenience sampling strategy was adopted. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v.15.0. The results were described in terms of proportions and their 95% confidence intervals. Continuous data were summarized using the mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range depending on the skewness of data. Chi-square test was used to study the association between NCDs and modifiable risk factors. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of NCDs.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the population was 42.5 (SD 12.5) years. The mean years involved in fishing was 19.8 years (SD 10.9). More than half (59.5%) of the study participants had severe stress and most (80.3%) were ever substance users. Advancing age, not being able to contact family while at sea, poor dietary practice, ever substance use, increasing waist circumference were significant correlates of NCDs.

Conclusions

The commonly prevalent risk factors of NCDs among fishermen included poor dietary practice, higher stress levels, substance use, increasing waist circumference, and inability to contact with family while at sea. Hypertension and Diabetes were the two common NCDs in the study population. There is a need for immediate attention in managing NCDs’ risk factors by promoting a healthy lifestyle by primary health care providers through a sustainable community awareness program targeting fishermen at a convenient time and location, either at the sea-port or meeting places. Harmful effects of substance use, healthy dietary practices, and the importance of physical activity outside their job need emphasis. In addition, screening programs should be organized with the help of boat owners and fishing associations at-least once a year to pick up NCDs at an early stage.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10376-w.

Relation of body mass index and work posture to musculoskeletal disorders among fishermen

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we researched to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and work posture/position with the musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in fishermen.

METHOD

This type of research is analytic survey research with a cross-sectional study. There were 224 people as the population in this study with 56 samples as respondents. Nordic Body Map (NBM) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were used as a questionnaire instrument.

RESULTS

The result of the Chi-square test shows that the BMI variable has a p-value of p=0.848 where the p-value is p>0.05. This means BMI has no significant relationship with MSD. Meanwhile, the work posture/position variable has a p-value of p=0.000 where the p-value is p<0.05, which means that there is a significant relationship with MSD.

CONCLUSIONS

BMI was not associated with MSD. This is possible because fishermen who have normal and abnormal BMI both have complaints of MSD. Meanwhile, work posture/position has a significant relationship with complaints of MSD in fishermen. This is because the posture of fishermen when working with tools when doing research looks very risky.

Hair mercury and risk assessment for consumption of contaminated seafood in residents from the coast of the Persian Gulf, Iran

The health risks of mercury exposure due to the high consumption of aquatic were assessed for fishermen and non-fishermen families living on the Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Mahshahr cities located in the coast of Persian Gulf (Iran). The mean hair mercury concentration of people in Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Mahshahr cities was obtained 1.56 ± 0.17, 1.97 ± 0.22, and 5.12 ± 0.3 μg g^-1, respectively. Hair mercury concentration in 8.8% of people exceeded the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) of 10 μg g^-1 declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). The fish and shrimps consumption, place of living, and fisher and non-fisherman family were variables that significantly effected on mercury levels in the hair. The effect of other factors (age, sex, and number of dental amalgam fillings) on hair mercury was not significant. The mean concentrations of mercury in three fish species in Mahshahr exceeded the recommended maximum standard level (0.5 μg g^-1) set by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) for mercury in some fish species in Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Mahshahr was higher than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (1.6 μg kg^-1 bw) set by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for some groups. The significant positive correlation between daily mercury intake and hair mercury concentration of people (r = 0.64, P < 0.001) reasserts that the hair mercury concentration could be explained by fish consumption. HQ > 1 was obtained for women in child bearing age in fishermen families in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr cities, children in fishermen families in Bushehr, and for all groups of population except adult in non-fishermen families in Mahshahr. So, the limited consumption of some fish species for these groups of people is recommended. The maximum of allowable fish consumption rate was 0.70 meals/month for Pseudorhombus arsius from Mahshahr fish for women of child bearing age. Also, it is necessary to create and monitor and enforce environmental standards, preventing the entry of pollutants released into the marine aquatic environment without proper early treatment.

Innovative vaccine delivery strategies in response to a cholera outbreak in the challenging context of Lake Chilwa. A rapid qualitative assessment

A reactive campaign using two doses of Shanchol Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) was implemented in 2016 in the Lake Chilwa Region (Malawi) targeting fish dependent communities. Three strategies for the second vaccine dose delivery (including delivery by a community leader and self-administration) were used to facilitate vaccine access. This assessment collected vaccine perceptions and opinions about the OCV campaign of 313 study participants, including: fishermen, fish traders, farmers, community leaders, and one health and one NGO officer. Socio-demographic surveys were conducted, In Depth Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were conducted before and during the campaign. Some fishermen perceived the traditional delivery strategy as reliable but less practical. Delivery by traditional leaders was acceptable for some participants while others worried about traditional leaders not being trained to deliver vaccines or beneficiaries taking doses on their own. A slight majority of beneficiaries considered the self-administration strategy practical while some beneficiaries worried about storing vials outside of the cold chain or losing vials. During the campaign, a majority of participants preferred receiving oral vaccines instead of injections given ease of intake and lack of pain. OCV was perceived as efficacious and safe. However, a lack of information on how sero-protection may be delayed and the degree of sero-protection led to loss of trust in vaccine potency among some participants who witnessed cholera cases among vaccinated individuals. OCV campaign implementation requires accompanying communication on protective levels, less than 100% vaccine efficacy, delays in onset of sero-protection, and out of cold chain storage.

Sharing fishers´ ethnoecological knowledge of the European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) in the westernmost fishing community in Europe

BACKGROUND

With the present difficulties in the conservation of sardines in the North Atlantic, it is important to investigate the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishermen about the biology and ecology of these fish. The ethnoecological data of European pilchard provided by local fishermen can be of importance for the management and conservation of this fishery resource. Thus, the present study recorded the ethnoecological knowledge of S. pilchardus in the traditional fishing community of Peniche, Portugal.

METHODS

This study was based on 87 semi-structured interviews conducted randomly from June to September 2016 in Peniche. The interview script contained two main points: Profile of fishermen and LEK on European pilchard. The ethnoecological data of sardines were compared with the scientific literature following an emic-etic approach. Data collected also were also analysed following the union model of the different individual competences and carefully explored to guarantee the objectivity of the study.

RESULTS

The profile of the fishermen was investigated and measured. Respondents provided detailed informal data on the taxonomy, habitat, behaviour, migration, development, spawning and fat accumulation season of sardines that showed agreements with the biological data already published on the species. The main uses of sardines by fishermen, as well as beliefs and food taboos have also been mentioned by the local community.

CONCLUSIONS

The generated ethnoecological data can be used to improve the management of this fishery resource through an adaptive framework among the actors involved, in addition to providing data that can be tested in further ecological studies. Therefore, this local knowledge may have the capacity to contribute to more effective conservation actions for sardines in Portugal.

Oral cholera vaccine coverage in hard-to-reach fishermen communities after two mass Campaigns, Malawi, 2016

•

Simplified delivery strategies were proposed in hard-to-reach population.

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High full coverage was reached in the most at-risk individuals.

•

Vaccines use efficiency need to be improved.

Context

From December 2015 to August 2016, a large epidemic of cholera affected the fishermen of Lake Chilwa in Malawi. A first reactive Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) campaign was organized, in February, in a 2 km radius of the lake followed by a preemptive one, conducted in November, in a 25 km radius. We present the vaccine coverage reached in hard-to-reach population using simplified delivery strategies.

Method

We conducted two-stage random-sampling cross-sectional surveys among individuals living in a 2 km and 25 km radius of Lake Chilwa (islands and floating homes included). Individuals aged 12 months and older from Machinga and Zomba districts were sampled: 43 clusters of 14 households were surveyed. Simplified strategies were used for those living in islands and floating homes: self- delivery and community-supervised delivery of the second dose. Vaccine coverage (VC) for at-least-two-doses was estimated taking into account sampling weights and design effects.

Results

A total of 1176 households were surveyed (2.7% of non-response). Among the 2833 individuals living in the 2 km radius of Lake and the 2915 in the 25 km radius: 457 (16.1%) and 239 (8.2%) lived in floating homes or on islands at some point in the year, respectively. For the overall population, VC was 75.6% and 54.2%, respectively. In the 2 km radius, VC was 92.2% for those living on the lake at some point of the year: 271 (64.8%) used the simplified strategies. The main reasons for non-vaccination were absence during the campaign and vaccine shortage. Few adverse events occurring in the 24 h following vaccination was reported.

Conclusions

We reached a high two-dose coverage of the most at-risk population using simplified delivery strategies. Because of the high fishermen mobility, regular catch-up campaigns or another strategy specifically targeting fishermen need to be assessed for more efficient vaccines use.

Evaluating fishermen's conservation attitudes and local ecological knowledge of the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus), Peniche, Portugal

BACKGROUND

European sardines are an important fishing resource in the North Atlantic. Recognized for its great commercial and economic value in southern Europe, this resource currently has low stock indices. From this perspective, fishers' local ecological knowledge (LEK) is appreciated as an auxiliary tool in the management of sardines in this region. Our goal is to evaluate the LEK and attitudes towards the conservation of Sardina pilchardus in the typical fishing village of Peniche, Portugal.

METHODS

From June to September 2016, we carried out 87 semi-structured interviews. The four main points of the interviews were interviewee profile, fishing structure, fishermen's LEK and attitudes towards sardine conservation. The interviews were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using a 3-point Likert scale. An LEK index and an attitude index were generated. Comparison analyses and correlations were made between the indices and variables of the interviewee profile and the fishing structure.

RESULTS

The mean LEK index was 0.55 and was classified as moderate. The attitudes index in relation to conservation was 0.76 and was classified as positive. This index had a positive and significant correlation with the LEK index and a significant negative correlation with the fishermen's age. When the LEK index was compared with the educational level, significant differences were observed only between class A and class C. The result showed that the differences in the attitudes index were statistically significant when the three educational classes were compared.

CONCLUSIONS

The fishermen of Peniche in Portugal present moderate informal knowledge about the biology and ecology of sardines. Attitudes towards conservation were predominantly positive. Fishermen with greater LEK, with a higher educational level and at a younger age presented more positive attitudes in relation to environmental conservation issues in the present case of the sardine population. The LEK is not necessarily related to the educational level of the fishermen. We suggest environmental education programs for the communities that depend on this resource. The use of LEK and fishermen's perceptions can help in the management of the European sardine fishery in Portugal.

Prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal pain among Danish fishermen - results from a cross-sectional survey

Background

Fishermen work in a physically challenging work environment. The aim of this analysis was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal pain among Danish fishermen.

Method

A cross-sectional survey in a random sample of Danish fishermen was done with application of the Nordic questionnaire regarding musculoskeletal pain considering lower back, shoulders, hand neck, knee, upper back elbow, hip and feet. In total, 270 fishermen participated in the study (response rate: 28%). Workload, vessel type, skipper, duration of work, sideline occupation, days/weeks of fishing at sea, age, BMI and education were used as predictors for the overall musculoskeletal pain score (multiple linear regression) and for each single pain site (multinomial logistic regression).

Results

The prevalence of pain was high for all musculoskeletal locations. Overall, more than 80% of the responding Danish fishermen reported low back pain, which in 37% lasted for a minimum of 30 days during the past year. In the multiple linear regression analysis, middle workload was associated with a 32% (95% CI: 19-46%) and high workload with 60% (95% CI: 46-73%) increased musculoskeletal pain score compared to low work load. Multinomial logistic regression models showed that workload was the only predictor for all pain sites, in particular regarding upper and lower limb pain.

Conclusion

Although changes were implemented to improve the fishermen’s work environment, the work continues to be physically demanding and impacting their musculoskeletal pain. Potential explanation for this unexpected result like increased work pressure and reduced financial attractiveness in small scale commercial fishery needs to be confirmed in future research.

Prevalence of Deleterious Oral Habits and Oral Mucosal Lesions among Fishermen Population of Mahe, South India

INTRODUCTION

Fishing is an occupation associated with uneven diet, strain, drunkenness, tobacco use, and deleterious habits. The physical state of laborers on a large scale will also be influenced by conditions at their work site. Oral mucosal lesions can occur as a result of infections, local shock or infuriation, systemic diseases, and uncontrolled usage of tobacco, betel quid, and alcohol. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of deleterious oral habits and oral mucosal lesions among fishermen population of Mahe, South India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consists of 362 fishermen aged between 15 and 54. The questionnaire consisted of questions on personal data, and information related to the subjects' oral habits were collected by the interview. The World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Form was designed for the assessment of oral mucosal lesions.

RESULTS

Among the 362 fishermen, 266 (73.48%) were males and 96 (26.52%) were females. The overall prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, and gutka chewing was found to be 24.3, 48.85, and 32.4% respectively. Smokeless tobacco (32.4%) was the most prevalent habit followed by smoking tobacco (24.3%). The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was 14.9%. There is a statistically significant association between age groups and habits considered.

CONCLUSION

Findings of the present study suggest that oral health condition of the fisherfolk community was relatively poor, with high habit prevalence and oral mucosal lesions. This epi-demiological study has provided baseline data to plan further research in this area.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Low socioeconomic status, strenuous working hours, inadequate diet and nutrition intake, stress, and use of tobacco and alcohol act as contributing factors for ill health and oral diseases. It is a challenging population to the clinician to identify and treat them.

The association between psychosocial and structural-level stressors and HIV injection drug risk behavior among Malaysian fishermen: A cross-sectional study

Background

Malaysian fishermen have been identified as a key-affected HIV population with HIV rates 10 times higher than national rates. A number of studies have identified that psychosocial and structural-level stressors increase HIV injection drug risk behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to examine psychosocial and structural-level stressors of injection drug use and HIV injection drug risk behaviors among Malaysian fishermen.

Methods

The study employs a cross-sectional design using respondent driven sampling methods. The sample includes 406 fishermen from Pahang state, Malaysia. Using multivariate logistic regressions, we examined the relationship between individual (depression), social (adverse interactions with the police), and structural (poverty-related) stressors and injection drug use and risky injection drug use (e.g.., receptive and non-receptive needle sharing, frontloading and back-loading, or sharing drugs from a common container).

Results

Participants below the poverty line had significantly lower odds of injection drug use (OR 0.52, 95 % CI: 0.27-0.99, p = 0.047) and risky injection drug use behavior (OR 0.48, 95 % CI: 0.25-0.93, p = 0.030). In addition, participants with an arrest history had higher odds of injection use (OR 19.58, 95 % CI: 9.81-39.10, p < 0.001) and risky injection drug use (OR 16.25, 95 % CI: 4.73-55.85, p < 0.001). Participants with depression had significantly higher odds of engaging in risky injection drug use behavior (OR 3.26, 95 % 1.39-7.67, p = 0.007). Focusing on participants with a history of injection drug use, we found that participants with depression were significantly more likely to engage in risky drug use compared to participants below the depression cutoff (OR 3.45, 95 % CI: 1.23-9.66, p < 0.02).

Conclusions

Findings underscore the need to address psychosocial and structural-level stressors among Malaysian fishermen to reduce HIV injection drug risk behaviors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3125-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Alarmingly high level of alcohol use among fishermen: A community based survey from a coastal area of south India

INTRODUCTION

Though studies from western world have reported high prevalence of alcohol use among fishermen, there is lack of information from developing world. Hence this study was carried out among fishermen in a coastal area of southern India to 1) determine the prevalence of alcohol use among fishermen 2) describe the pattern of alcohol use 3) identify factors associated with alcohol use.

METHODS

A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among fishermen in a coastal village of Puducherry, India. House to hose survey was conducted, fishermen aged above 18 years and involved in catching fish at least once in last three months, were included. Data on age, marital status, education, monthly income, duration in fishing occupation, owning a boat or wager, frequency of fishing per month/week, number of hours spent in sea, alcohol use in past one year, age at initiation, type of alcohol drink and presence of alcohol users in family.

RESULTS

In total, 304 participants were interviewed. Mean (SD) age of the participants was 41 (11) and 82% were involved in fishing for more than 10 years. Of 304 participants, 241 (79%) reported alcohol use in past one year. Of 241 participants who used alcohol, 89% reported alcohol consumption during fishing activity. In multivariate analysis, alcohol use in other family members was independently associated with alcohol use (aRR 21.4; 95% CI 6.8-67.4).

CONCLUSION

Very high prevalence of alcohol use is seen among fishermen. Of those who consume alcohol, nine out of ten use during fishing activities.

Safe havens and rough waters: networks, place, and the navigation of risk among injection drug-using Malaysian fishermen

BACKGROUND

HIV prevalence among Malaysian fishermen is ten times that of the general population. Fishing boats are a key place where drug use occurs, but we know little about how these environments shape HIV risk behaviour. Utilizing Rhodes' 'risk environment' framework, we assessed drug use contexts and how characteristics of place associated with fishing and fishermen's social networks served as key axes along which drug use and HIV risk behaviour occurred.

METHODS

Data were collected during 2009-2011 in Kuantan, a fishing port on the eastern coast of Malaysia, and include 28 in-depth interviews and 398 surveys collected using RDS. Logistic regression was used to determine the effect of occupational, network and risk environment characteristics on unsafe injection behaviour and access to clean needles/syringes; qualitative data were coded and analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Drug injecting was common and occurred on boats, often with other crewmembers. Captains and crewmembers were aware of drug use. Unsafe injection practices were significantly associated with having a larger proportion of drug injectors in network (OR=3.510, 95% CI=1.053-11.700) and having a captain provide drugs for work (OR=2.777, 95% CI=1.018-7.576). Size of fishermen network (OR=0.987, 95% CI=0.977-0.996), crewmembers' knowledge of drug use (OR=7.234, 95% CI=1.430-36.604), and having a captain provide drugs for work (OR=0.134, 95% CI=0.025-0.720) predicted access to clean needles/syringes. Qualitative analyses revealed that occupational culture and social relationships on boats drove drug use and HIV risk.

CONCLUSIONS

While marginalized in broader society, the acceptance of drug use within the fishing community created occupational networks of risk. Fishing boats were spaces of both risk and safety; where drug users participated in the formal economy, but also where HIV risk behaviour occurred. Understanding the interplay between social networks and place is essential for developing HIV prevention and harm reduction policies appropriate for the unique needs of this fishing population.

Skin and systemic manifestations of jellyfish stings in iraqi fishermen

BACKGROUND

Jellyfish stings are common worldwide with an estimated 150 million cases annually, and their stings cause a wide range of clinical manifestations from skin inflammation to cardiovascular and respiratory collapse. No studies on jellyfish stings have been carried out in Basra, Iraq.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the immediate and delayed skin reactions to White Jellyfish (Rhizostoma sp.) stings and the types of local treatment used by fishermen.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

150 fishermen were enrolled at three Marine stations in Basra, Iraq. Demographic data, types of skin reactions, systemic manifestations and kinds of treatments were collected.

RESULTS

Overall, 79% of fishermen in all three Marine stations gave a history of having been stung. The common sites of sings were the hands and arms followed by the legs. Most fishermen claimed that stings led to skin reactions within 5 minutes. The presenting complaints were itching, burning sensation, and erythematic wheals. A few days after the sting, new groups of painless and itchy erythematous monomorphic papular rashes developed at the site of the sting in 62% of cases as a delayed type of skin reaction that resolved spontaneously. The local remedies commonly used by the fishermen were seawater, tap water and ice. A few fishermen considered stings as insignificant and did not think there was a need to seek medical help.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that jellyfish causes many stings among fishermen in the Basra region. Their stings lead to immediate and delayed skin reactions. Self-treatment by topical remedies is common.