A career in fishing, while often extremely fulfilling, can also bring with it the potential for poor mental health and wellbeing. Financial insecurity, feelings of isolation and separation, and a reluctance to seek support have been listed among the top reasons for mental vulnerability within UK fishing communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has in many cases worsened this vulnerability, and raised a number of welfare issues besides. There is a need to address both the underlying causes of these problems and to provide support for those that suffer from mental health and welfare issues connected to them.

Many fishing communities in the UK are classified as deprived, which is often a key factor underlying mental distress. A survey from Seafarers UK found that over 95% of respondents working in fishing suffered from stress. Other commonly observed mental health issues include depression, anxiety and trauma from incidents at sea. Additionally, there is a perceived reluctance among the community to acknowledge mental health concerns until they become severe.

This virtual meeting examined the causes and symptoms underlying mental health and welfare issues in coastal communities, and drew on experience from those that work to address them. We heard from voices both providing the background to the relationship between welfare, wellbeing and a life at sea, as well as suggesting ways that policy, community support or other services could help tackle resultant issues.

You can find the recording of this event here, and a record of all the panelists’ answers here.

For further information, contact us at secretariat@fisheriesappg.org.