Charleston Fishing Community Embraces New Safety Initiative

Charleston Fishing Community Embraces New Safety Initiative

Charleston Fishing Families, a local nonprofit, organized its inaugural life jacket distribution event on Friday, providing new Kent life jackets to Charleston's commercial fishing fleet. The event marked a significant shift in safety equipment for local fishermen, who have historically avoided wearing traditional bulky life jackets due to safety concerns.

Captain Steely Saye of The Last Dance, a 15-year fishing veteran, praised the new equipment's design. Similarly, commercial fisherman Seth Smith, who had previously avoided wearing life jackets entirely, expressed optimism about the more streamlined design that reduces the risk of snagging on equipment.

According to Board President Mellissa Clemens, the organization has equipped 113 fishermen with these new jackets. The initiative was made possible through partnerships with Oregon State University's Sea Grant program and Eglund Marine, along with grants from the Southwest Oregon Business Investment Board. The funding also covered commercial fishing licenses and flashing strobes for water visibility.

Clemens emphasized the broader significance of fishermen's safety, noting their crucial role in the global food supply chain. She pointed out that every U.S. state is involved in either importing or exporting fish products.

Naomi Hockema, speaking from 26 years of experience as a fisherman's wife, shared her relief about the new equipment. She expressed satisfaction that the streamlined design allows for both comfort and safety, noting that saving even one life would make the initiative worthwhile.

Photos courtesy of KCBY