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“A Different Kettle of Fish”: Mental health strategies for Australian fishers, and farmers
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 12:29 authored by King, T, Susan KilpatrickSusan Kilpatrick, Willis, K, Speldewinde, CDespite being typically represented and managed under the same policy umbrella, fishers face different challenges than do their farming counterparts. This paper unpacks the findings of research depicting poor levels of mental health and well-being among Australian commercial wild-catch fishers. The research is considered in the context of widespread acceptance that farmers tend to exhibit worse than average mental health outcomes due, at least in part, to the environmental uncertainties of climate change. In particular it is stressed that the insecurity of fishing concessions (quota and licenses), is a key driver of chronic livelihood insecurity, resulting in reports of stress, depression and suicide. A call is made for the separation of health research in the fishing and farming industries. Importantly, the role that tenure insecurity plays in the perpetuation of poor mental health among fishers should be acknowledged and addressed so that the fishing industry can maximize the strength of its human capital.
Funding
Fisheries Research & Development Corporation
History
Publication title
Marine PolicyVolume
60Pagination
134-140ISSN
0308-597XDepartment/School
Student Life and EnrichmentPublisher
Elsevier Sci LtdPlace of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox5 1GbRights statement
© 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.Repository Status
- Restricted