The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association launched a new COVID-19 vaccination promotional campaign Tuesday, with the goal of encouraging more commercial fishermen to get their shots.

The program, called “Catch fish not COVID,” will provide fishermen with accurate scientific information about both the safety of the vaccines and the risks of the virus, according to a press release from AMSEA.

The executive director of AMSEA, Jerry Dzugan, is quoted in the release as stating that one way the association plans on doing this is by campaigning that commercial fishing vessel operators and their crews are a business.

“COVID-19 can sicken a crew for weeks and lead to long-term health problems, limiting their ability to fish,” he said. “It’s critical that fishermen get vaccinated in order to safeguard their livelihoods.”

The campaign website, www.fishnotcovid.com, will provide commercial fishermen with pertinent information regarding the COVID shots, as well as vaccine provider locators.

The program is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, according to the press release.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.