Abstract

Small-scale fishermen of the state of Yucatan, Mexico use surface supplied compressed air via hookah systems in order to dive and increase their catches to support their livelihoods. Using this hookah technology, they are able to extract greater catches and exploit novel fisheries, but they also dive beyond accepted safety guidelines leading to decompression sickness (DCS). As many as 75% of Yucatan fishermen will suffer from DCS, with permanent disability and death in the most severe cases. Although these dangers are present year-round, the sea cucumber fishery, begun in the past several years for the export market, has proven highly lucrative yet highly dangerous for these fishermen with many cases of both disabling DCS and death. We illustrate not only the diving behavior and health problems of the fishermen, but also the logistical challenges in providing effective treatment. Additional health risks arise from locally manufactured air compressors that often contain significant amounts of oil in the volume tanks in excess of safety standards as well as no system for separating the compressor air intake and exhaust, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. In 2014, an intervention to separate intake and exhaust gases was implemented aboard seven boats in Rio Lagartos. During subsequent visits, we observed fishermen's recognition of this health risk and the proliferation of the gas separation system throughout the fleet. Future studies will focus on behavioral interventions that we hope will lead to improved diving practices and fewer cases of diving injuries and fatalities.

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