Environmental and Occupational Hazards Exposures Faced by Coastal Fishermen in Tanji, The Gambia

In The Gambia, the smallest West African country with a population of about 2 054 986, fishing is a major industry. Most previous studies on coastal fishing have focused on fishing methods, fish protection, and fish preservation. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental health hazards to coastal fishermen in Tanji. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out on 36 fishermen in Tanji Coastal Fishing Centre. Structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used for data collection. Responses were analysed using SPSS version 22 descriptive statistics. The study found that50% of coastal fishermen in Tanji were Non-Gambian nationals. The fishermen were generally artisanal and use planked canoes without-board engines during the process of fishing. Common hazards among fishermen during fishing operations include falls, fish, fishing gear,and extreme weather conditions. The fishermen reported that the activities including pushing boat into sea, removing catch from fishing gears, transporting catch, controlling boat engine, setting fishing gear, strenuous and repetitive work among others as injury causing factors during fishing operations. Seventy-two percent of the fishermen reportedly used robber gloves, and 94% used lifejackets while fishing. However, the usage of most essential personal protective equipment while fishing was low.Coastal fishing in Tanji is labor intensive and hazardous. The fishermen are exposed to both fatal and nonfatal injury causing factors. Fishermen should be engaged in formal safety training by the authorities. Further research on occupational and environmental hazards faced by the coastal fishermen in Tanji is recommended