Expansion of Safety Education
Green and White Hope is partnering with multiple organizations to make it easier for commercial fisherman to get training where they live and expand curriculums to include topics that aren't currently taught today. Highlights of current projects are below.
LD2069 - An Act Designating July 21st as Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day
(In Progress)
Representative Will Tuell proposed legislation late last year at the request of Green and White Hope Inc to make July 21st permanently "Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day" The first remembrance day declaration was issued by the Governor at our request in 2025, this bill would turn this into a law that would be recognized each year and make Maine only the 2nd state in the nation to have a day in honor of our commercial fishermen. The bill has cleared 2 steps in the legislative process, most recently, on 4 February, the bill received unanimous support from the state and local government committee to move forward. We anticipate a full vote of the legislature in the coming weeks. In parallel, Green and White Hope has started planning for another ceremony to acknowledge our losses and share hope through new safety advances in 2026.
Partners: Green and White Hope with Maine Coast Fisherman's Association, Maine Department of Marine Resources, New England Center for Occupational Health & Safety, New England Fishing Stewardship Association, Sunrise County Economic Council
Safety Awareness Campaign
(Pending)
Green and White Hope has participated in may training classes and public sessions with commercial fishermen, their families, communities, and other partners. In those sessions, it became clear that many were not aware of the latest advances in technology from PFD evolution to PLB's. Green and White Hope has submitted a grant request to launch a safety awareness campaign to provide more information out to the community and ask them to choose 3 that could improve their odds of coming home. This campaign is targeted to kickoff at the 2026 Maine Fishermen's Forum.
Partners: Green and White Hope with Maine Commercial Fishing Safety Council
Consolidated Access to Safety Education
(Ongoing)
The Green and White Hope website consolidates all known relevant Maine and near Maine Commercial Fishing Safety education for easy consumption and registration by our fishing community. The initial site was launched on April 28, 2025 and is regularly updated with new offerings and providers.
Partners: Green and White Hope with Fishing Partnership Support Services, McMillan Survival Training, Maine Coast Fisherman's Association, Maine Department of Marine Resources, New England Center for Occupational Health & Safety, The Lifejacket Association
Fishing Alone Curriculum
(In Progress)
With the rise in cost of commercial fishing, as well as limited skilled sternman/deckhand resources, there is an increase in fishing alone. No curriculum or published best practices currently exist to aid ifisherman in the uniqueness of commercial fishing alone. Curriculum/Best Practices will be developed and distributed in print as well as included in key programs offered today by MCCF, FPSS, etc. Led by the Maine Commercial Fishing Safety Council, a panel on best practices will be held at the Maine Fishermen's Forum entitled "Improving Safety for Single-handed Fishermen", check the schedule for the exact day and time. Post the Fishermen's forum there is intent to collect best practices and meet as a collective group on next steps.
Partners: Green and White Hope with Maine Commercial Fishing Safety Council, Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries, REDDE Services, NEC