Support Services for Commercial Fishermen

Our Mission

Fishing Partnership is a non-profit support services organization dedicated to improving the health, safety and economic security of commercial fishermen and their families. Founded in 1997, we bring critical support services and programs to more than 20,000 New England fishing families. With 4 offices in Gloucester, New Bedford, Plymouth and Chatham, we deliver Health and Wellness, Safety at Sea and Economic Security support services in the communities where fishing families live.

Meet the Team

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Health & Wellness

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SAFETY AT SEA

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ECONOMIC SECURITY

Request Services

Are you or your spouse a fisherman? Do you come from a fishing family or are you a shoreline worker? [that’s anyone that has a job that supports fishermen getting their product to market and includes boat mechanics, fish cutters and lumpers to name a few]? We’re here to help. Complete the Request for Services form and we’ll answer your call.

Request Services

Become a Friend

Show your support for fishermen, their families and coastal shoreline workers. Sign up as a Friend of Fishing Partnership and you’ll receive news on local fisheries and learn what it takes to bring fresh seafood, sustainably caught, from the most highly regulated wild fisheries in the world to your dinner table. Learn what you can do to support fishing communities near you.

Support Fishermen

Find A Navigator

Select an FP Location to Learn more

Based in New Bedford, MA with port offices in the coastal towns of Gloucester, Plymouth, and Chatham, Fishing Partnership delivers support services along the eastern seaboard from Maine to the Carolinas. If you are a member of a fishing community seeking services, please contact one of our offices.

Navigator Offices

Gloucester, MA

New Bedford, MA

Plymouth, MA

Chatham, MA

What Fishermen Are Saying

My crew and I go to Fishing Partnership’s safety at sea training drill program each year so it is always fresh in our minds.

Boat Captain, New Bedford
Fishing Partnership has had a major impact on my life. In these uncertain times in the fishing industry, having access to affordable health insurance is a great relief. Thank you, your efforts are much appreciated.

Edward D., Marblehead
A lot of fishermen and their families would be without health care if it were not for you guys. Keep up the good work.

Tom M., Hingham
I tell other fishermen that Fishing Partnership’s safety training is the best thing you can do.

Lobster Boat Captain, Scituate
We can’t thank Fishing Partnership enough for being there when we needed affordable quality health coverage.

Peter P., Gloucester
In all respects, the Fishing Partnership has been there when I needed it. I hope it continues to assist fishing families for many years to come.

Mary M., South Wellfleet
Fishing Partnership provides great safety training for serious fishermen.

B. Durkin, Fisherman
Fishing Partnership is the best thing that ever happened to fishermen. Without it, I wouldn’t know what to do about my doctor bills.

Antone S., New Bedford

Latest Posts

Open Enrollment 2023

Health & Wellness

Open Enrollment 2023 starts November 1, 2022 and ends January 23, 2023. Fishing Partnership Navigators can help anyone in MA access health insurance. Contact a Navigator today! #getcovered, #staycovered.

Turning 26 and Health Insurance

Health & Wellness

Did you know that turning 26 is a qualifying event for accessing affordable health insurance outside of an open enrollment period? Children can remain on a parent’s health insurance plan until they turn 26. Upon turning 26, individuals need to secure health insurance independent of their parent’s health plans.

Preventing Hypothermia in Commercial Fishermen

Safety At Sea, Stories that Save Lives

Watch retired commercial lobsterman Phil Mason talk about his hypothermia survival story and get tips from Fishing Partnership Project Safety Officer Russell Kingman on Preventing Hypothermia in Commercial Fishermen.