NTSB calls for safety improvements in commercial fishing industry
The fish are better protected than the fishermen, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which today issued new safety recommendations to the U. S. Coast Guard regarding tougher standards for commercial fishing vessels, crew training and increased use of flotation devices.
"The commercial fishing industry continues to have the highest fatality rate of all occupations in the United States; the safety hazards of this industry are unacceptable," said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman. "While numerous laws have been passed to protect fishing grounds and fish populations, regulations to improve the safety of commercial fisherman are long overdue."