Commercial Fishing

Commercial Fishing Safety: West Coast

At a glance

During the 20-year period 2000–2019, 141 deaths due to traumatic injury occurred in West Coast fisheries. While year-to-year fluctuations occurred, the annual number of fatalities has generally declined over these two decades.

An image with a Dungeness crab vessel loaded with pots in the foreground and the Yaquina Bay Bridge in the background. Photo by NIOSH

Trends in West Coast Commercial Fishing Fatalities, 2000-2019

Annual Average of Fatalities on the West Coast by Decade
Decade Annual Average
2000-2009 8.5
2010-2019 5.6

Quick Stats

During 2000-2019, 141 Fishing Industry Workers Died on the West Coast.

Types of Incidents Causing Fatalities

  • Vessel Disaster (90, 64%)
  • Fall Overboard (31, 22%)
  • Onboard Fatality (9, 6%)
  • Diving Fatality (8, 6%)
  • Onshore Fatality (3, 2%)

Top Three Causes of Death

  • Drowning (126, 89%)
  • Blunt Force Trauma (6, 4%)
  • Embolism (3, 2%)

Fisheries with the Most Fatalities

  • Dungeness Crab (44, 31%)
  • Salmon Setnet (17, 12%)

Research Highlights

Injuries and Fatalities among West Coast Dungeness crab fishermen

Fatalities in California, Oregon, and Washington Fisheries

Resources

Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center

Oregon State University Fishing Safety Research

Washington Sea Grant

Oregon Sea Grant

California Sea Grant

U.S. Coast Guard District 13

U.S. Coast Guard District 11

North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association

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Content Source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  • NIOSH Commercial Fishing Incident Database