The Government of Canada is investing CAD$262,000 in a British Columbia fishing industry-driven programme that aims to improve safety onboard commercial fishing vessels and reduce injuries and deaths.
Fish SAFE is funded through Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Pacific Integrated Commercial Fishing Initiative (PICFI), which helps to realise First Nations’ desire to become more involved in the commercial fishing industry. Since its inception, a total of 97 First Nations have benefitted from contribution funding and commercial access provided through PICFI.
“The support that Fish SAFE receives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada enables Fish SAFE to reach fishermen in remote communities to ensure that they have the relevant safety training and tools they need to come home safely,” added Gina McKay, programme manager, Fish SAFE Programme.
The funding will support the programme, Fish SAFE, in expanding its boating safety programmes to remote communities where upstream terminal area fisheries are located. It will be used to support commercial fishing enterprises by giving them the tools and assistance they need to develop fishing safety programme in their communities. This includes training needs assessment and delivery of fishing safety education and training programmes.
The Government of Canada says its partnership with the commercial fishing industry has already produced great results. In Vancouver, the BC Seafood Alliance has used mutual resources to administer the Fish SAFE Programme.
It has been recognised internationally as a leader in creating a safety culture through education. They have raised the profile of fishing safety on Canada’s west coast through a variety of educational programmes, notably their Stability Education Programme, and by working with partners to develop relevant regulations and policies to improve on board safety.
