There are indications of substantial Latino involvement in these sectors such as a 45% increase in Hispanics fishing recreationally in the last decade, but there is a general lack of existing data and research. Regional overviews highlight examples such as the importance of angling for consumption for fishers in California, the prevalence of Latinos working in seafood processing in Alaska, as well as a lack of information in states with high Latino populations such as Texas and Florida. U.S. Latinos in fisheries are facing challenges such as language accessibility, discrimination, occupational hazards, health risks, obstacles related to temporary work visas, and gender inequities.

Through our research, we provide recommendations to alleviate these concerns, such as bilingual regulations and bilingual health advisories related to water pollution, increased outreach and awareness catered towards encouraging Hispanics to engage in fishing, and an investment in research in order to obtain an accurate portrayal of Latinos’ involvement and contribution in commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries, the seafood processing industry, and more. A deeper understanding will allow Latinos to be more meaningfully engaged and represented in conservation efforts and policy arenas at the intersection of environmental health and fisheries.

This is also available in Spanish.