Mental health and psychosocial risks are widespread in fisheries and are closely linked to the systemic conditions of the work. Fishers work in isolated, confined environments for extended periods, separated from family and support networks. Combined with long hours, fatigue, safety-critical responsibilities, inadequate training and the constant physical danger of the work, this produces stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health harm.
Psychosocial risks are intensified by steep hierarchies aboard, job insecurity and fear of retaliation. Fishers are reluctant to report mental health concerns or unsafe conditions because of stigma or fear for future employment – and violence, harassment and discrimination add further psychological harm. Dependence on the captain for work, food and everything else, and the impossibility of leaving, compound all of it. Where pay depends on the catch, financial anxiety also runs through every voyage.
Mental health risks are inseparable from others risks. Addressing them also requires training for fishers on mental health and wellbeing – work in which the ITF leads the industry.
For more on mental health and psychosocial risk, see the Risks Across Transport guidance.