Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 19, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to improve the health and safety of commercial fishing crews by broadening grant eligibility to include critical behavioral health issues and doubling the authorized funding for these initiatives, with administration shifting to HHS.
What it actually does
This bill expands the scope of existing federal grant programs for fishing safety training and research to explicitly include behavioral and physical health risks, such as substance use disorder and worker fatigue, facing commercial fishing industry members. It also significantly increases the authorized funding for these programs from $3 million for fiscal year 2023 to $6 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 for each program, and directs these funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous professions, and current safety programs do not adequately address the significant behavioral and physical health challenges, such as substance use and fatigue, that contribute to accidents and fatalities. Expanding the scope and increasing funding will provide much-needed resources to tackle these underlying issues, leading to a healthier and safer workforce.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, directing funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services rather than maintaining the Coast Guard's primary role in safety oversight could dilute the focus on operational safety. Some might also question the significant increase in authorized spending without a clear, detailed plan for how the additional funds will be utilized and evaluated for effectiveness.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.
Section 2(1) of the bill, amending 46 U.S.C. 4502(i)
Broadening Fishing Safety Training to Include Behavioral and Physical Health
This provision expands the types of training eligible for federal grants under the Fishing Safety Training Grants program. Specifically, it allows grants to be used for training that addresses behavioral and physical health risks, including substance use disorder and worker fatigue, among fishing vessel operators and crewmembers. This adds a new dimension to safety training beyond traditional operational safety.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that addressing behavioral health issues like substance use and fatigue is crucial for preventing accidents in the high-risk commercial fishing industry. By explicitly including these areas, the bill ensures a more holistic approach to safety, recognizing that human factors are often significant contributors to incidents.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against expanding safety training to include health risks, as it is generally seen as a beneficial measure for worker well-being and operational safety.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension might be ensuring that the expanded focus on behavioral health does not detract from or dilute essential traditional operational safety training, but rather complements it.
Section 2(2) of the bill, amending 46 U.S.C. 4502(j)
Including Behavioral and Physical Health in Fishing Safety Research
This provision broadens the scope of the Fishing Safety Research Grant program to include research focused on understanding and mitigating behavioral and physical health risks, such as substance use disorder and worker fatigue, within the commercial fishing industry. This expands the research agenda beyond areas like vessel design and weather detection.
Section 2(1)(C) and Section 2(2)(C) of the bill, amending 46 U.S.C. 4502(i)(4) and (j)(4)
Doubling Funding and Shifting Grant Administration to HHS
This provision significantly increases the authorized funding for both the Fishing Safety Training Grants and Fishing Safety Research Grants programs. It raises the authorization from $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 to $6,000,000 annually for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029. Crucially, it also directs these authorized funds to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, a change from the previous implicit administration by the agency consulting with the Coast Guard.
The bill changes the language regarding how grant criteria are established. Previously, grants were awarded 'in consultation with and based on criteria established by the Commandant of the Coast Guard.' The amendment changes this to 'based on criteria developed in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard.'
Section 2(1)(B) and (2)(B) of the bill, amending 46 U.S.C. 4502(i)(2) and (j)(2)
Why it matters:This is likely standard legislative practice for refining administrative processes rather than an attempt to obscure. It clarifies the Coast Guard's role as consultative in criterion development rather than the sole establisher of criteria.
Case for: Proponents would argue this change provides greater flexibility in developing grant criteria, allowing for broader input while still leveraging the Coast Guard's essential expertise. It might also align better with HHS's new administrative role, allowing them to lead criterion development with Coast Guard input.
Case against: Critics might argue that this subtle shift could diminish the Coast Guard's direct authority and influence over the specific safety criteria for these grants, potentially leading to less operationally focused or effective criteria if the consultative process is not robust.
Estimated impact: Low to moderate, depending on how 'developed in consultation' is interpreted and implemented in practice. It could subtly shift power dynamics in grant program design.