An analysis of fishing vessel accidents in fishing areas off the northeastern United States

Commercial fishing is one of the least safe occupations. Fishing vessel accident probability and vessel trip probability for fishing areas off the northeastern United States were modeled using logit regression and daily data from 1981 to 2000. Fishing vessel accident probability declined over the study period. Higher wind speeds are associated with greater accident probability. Medium size vessels had the highest accident probability before 1994. Within the study region, accident probability was lower in southern New England and Mid-Atlantic waters than on Georges Bank and in the Gulf of Maine. Accidents are more likely to occur closer to shore than offshore. Accident probability is lower in spring and fall. Changes in fishery management in 1994 have not lead to a general increase in either accident or vessel trip probability. Although higher economic payoff (i.e., revenue of landings) induces more vessels to go fishing, this is not associated with an increase in accidents. The probability models are important building blocks in development and quantitative assessment of management mechanisms related to safety in the commercial fishing industry.