On January 22, the Ilwaco Landing dock and fishing community suffered from a large fire, just days before the most important season opener for many coastal fishers. Stockpiles of crab pots were set ablaze, and many in the fishing community were worried about whether they would be able to recover in time for the start of the crabbing season on February 1, 2024. In 2022, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife estimated that the Dungeness crab coastal fishery was worth $64.6 million. Now, Ilwaco Landing dock stands at half-capacity, as only one fish receiving facility remains.
The fishermen in the Ilwaco community face both economic and personal injury risks as they put their lives on the line to prepare for the season and recover from the fire. It is important to understand that the increased pressure and rush to prepare can also lead to accidents and liability for employers. Injury At Sea is here to help fishermen and boat workers navigate these challenges as they face rough waters ahead.
What Economic Risks Do Fishermen Dace?
In recent years, there have been studies on how climate change has altered the fishing industry in the area. Climate stressors have put economic pressure on the community. Stressors such as marine heat waves, ocean acidification, and low oxygenation have been affecting the local fish population. With salmon populations drastically dropping in recent decades, fishermen have been putting their lives at risk by relying on crab harvesting. The pressure for commercial fisheries to deliver is vast and affects individual captains and their crews.
What personal health risks do fishermen face?
Fishermen in the community put their lives at risk so people can eat. Injuries on fishing vessels can occur due to faulty equipment, overworked crews, slippery and hazardous conditions, and more. Hundreds of boats cross the Columbia River Bar, one of the most dangerous river bars to cross, from the Ilwaco Landing dock. Over the years, hundreds of lives have been lost and over 2,000 boats have sunk or have been damaged. Injury At Sea provides essential services to help those who have been injured at sea or while working shipboard.
IAS is Here to Support Fishermen and Seamen at Work
Injury At Sea is proud to support fishermen, seamen, and the fishing and boating communities in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. We help our clients with injury claims at sea to ensure they have the best opportunity to recover physically and financially.
If you have been injured at sea or on the water, please fill out our contact form here to contact Injury At Sea for a free legal consultation. You can also call 1.800.732.7258 to schedule your free consultation with an attorney.