STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippians may be surprised to learn that the commercial fishing industry has a nearly $100M economic impact in the Magnolia State.
They may be more startled to know that, nationwide, the lucrative business also is a dangerous one accounting for about 43 deaths annually.
Mississippi State University experts are delving into one of the leading causes of these workplace fatalities - falling overboard - and developing life jackets with scientifically-engineered materials and technology, such as solar cells and potentially Bluetooth.
“Most commercial fishermen understand the risks of falling overboard, but choose to not wear life jackets for many reasons,” said Charles Freeman, associate professor of fashion design and merchandising in MSU’s School of Human Sciences.
“We want to change these perceptions by making the jackets more accessible to wearers.”
MSU researchers with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and the Athlete Engineering Program are partnering with Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United on improvements to the personal flotation devices.
Scientists involved are designing/developing an alternative by examining fibers used and modifying these with advanced fabrics and electronics.
Amit Talukder, a graduate research assistant, some of the technologies include solar cells within the lining of the jacket that "convert light into energy" and allow fishermen to charge smart devices "in times of need.”
It is also investigating adding Bluetooth tracking within the jackets to help locate potential overboard fishermen. The ultimate goal is to reduce fatalities. (MSU 07/18/23)
For more information about MAFES, visit www.mafes.msstate.edu.
To learn more about MSU’s Athlete Engineering research team, visit https://www.cavs.msstate.edu/research/athlete_engineering.php.
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