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Injured Fishermen May Qualify For Emergency Funds

May 21, 2001
No. 01-59

Alaska Commercial Fishermen's Fund Available for Medical Assistance

With fishing season under way throughout Alaska, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development reminds injured Alaska commercial fishermen that they may qualify for medical assistance through the Alaska Commercial Fishermen's Fund.

"The Fund was established in 1951 as an emergency insurance policy to provide for the treatment and care of Alaska's licensed commercial fishermen injured while fishing on shore or off shore in Alaska waters," said Labor Commissioner Ed Flanagan. "It provides a source of money to injured fishermen who may not otherwise be able to pay for needed medical assistance."

The Fund is paid for through a portion of resident and nonresident commercial fishing licenses and permits and is administered by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, with the assistance of a Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council.

To be eligible for assistance, the injured party must hold a valid commercial fishing license or limited entry permit before the time of injury. The injury or illness must be directly connected to operations as a commercial fisherman.

For more information about the Alaska Commercial Fishermen's Fund, call toll-free 888-520-2766 or visit the Web page here.

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