Supporting better health, productivity, and happiness for lobstermen, crew, and diggers.
In Person Services:
• Developing personalized health and wellness plans
• Support and coaching to achieve your goals
• Assistance with navigating the health care system
• Connecting you to resources, and more
Contact: Stacey Pitts-Roberts
Phone (call or text): 207-598-9831
Email: sroberts@coastalfisheries.org
Call or text Stacey today for an appointment and begin on your path to improved health and wellness!
Overview
Healthy Harvesters is a community driven program dedicated to improving the well-being of lobstermen, crew, and diggers in Stonington and Deer-Isle. The program offers free support to fishermen who are interested in improving their health and achieving their personal goals, whatever these may be. The program offers tailored assistance from individuals who understand fishermen, helping them to find the best health insurance options, see doctors, establish wellness goals, eat better, get a graduate diploma, improve financial management, access fisheries reporting or finding productive ways of dealing with stress.
Dominic Zanke, Captain of F/V Tyrant, and crew lobstering. Photo Credit: Tate Yoder, MCCF
The Opportunity
By providing tailored support, Healthy Harvesters aims to empower fishermen to take control of their well-being. The program offers personalized health coaching, health screenings so fishermen can identify health problems before they get worse, financial and counseling referrals, and guidance on navigating the healthcare system. Program staff bring a deep understanding of the fishing industry’s unique demands, as well as medical skills and community connections that can help build a healthier, more resilient fishing community.
Herbie Carter, fisherman and clam digger native to Deer Isle, digging for clams. Photo credit: Tate Yoder, MCCF
Updates & Events
The Challenge
Fishing can be a physically demanding and high-risk profession, with long hours, unpredictable weather, and limited access to healthcare services. Many fishermen, crew, and diggers face unique challenges to staying healthy, including being uninsured or underinsured, dealing with chronic pain, or experiencing considerable work-related stress.
Given these obstacles, fishermen may have difficulty taking care of their health, which puts them at greater risk for injury or illness as they age.
Stonington harbor. Photo credit: Tate Yoder, MCCF
Our Aim & Approach
The Healthy Harvesters program utilizes a “boots on the ground” approach, offering community-informed resources that are tailored to the realities of fishing life. We prioritize trust, confidentiality, and accessibility, meeting fishermen where they are—whether on the docks or during community gatherings. Our team collaborates with local hospitals, fishermen’s advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders to provide:
• One-on-one confidential appointments to help individuals set and achieve personalized health and wellness plans that support long-term well-being
• Navigation assistance to connect fishermen with healthcare providers, financial resources, counseling, job training or educational pursuits
Partners
And most importantly the lobstermen, crew, and diggers in Stonington and Deer-Isle for their participation and feedback.
Cited Literature & Further Resources
Boat Hacks for Better Backs
Yoga Stretches
PFD
- Project Summary Report
- Lifejackets for Fishermen – Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety
- Making Safety an Easy Catch: PFD Use Among Commercial Fishermen in New England: Journal of Agromedicine: Vol 0, No 0 – Get Access
Sleep Deprivation
- Sleep and Health in Commercial Fishing – Summary Report
- Adding Insult to Injury: The Impact of Musculoskeletal Pain on Fishermen’s Sleep Patterns – PubMed
In the Wheelhouse: