Differences in Perceptions of COVID-19 Risks in a Fishing Community in Alaska, 2020-2021.

Area of Science:

• Environmental social science
• Public health
• Risk perception studies

Background:

• Bristol Bay, Alaska, hosts the world's largest commercial salmon fishery, significantly increasing its population during the season.
• The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty regarding the health risks associated with opening the fishery, impacting the livelihoods of many residents and non-resident workers.
• Bristol Bay had no COVID-19 cases prior to the 2020 fishing season, adding to the complexity of risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how perceptions of COVID-19 risk influenced decisions regarding participation in the Bristol Bay commercial salmon fishery.
• To identify socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with varying levels of COVID-19 risk perception among fishery stakeholders.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to community members and fishery participants in the Bristol Bay region.
• The survey collected socioeconomic data and assessed participants' perceptions of COVID-19 risks.
• Statistical analysis was used to examine the relationship between risk perceptions, socioeconomic characteristics, and employment decisions.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 risk perceptions differed significantly across racial/ethnic groups, residency status, and income levels.
• Individuals with below-median income, particularly non-resident Hispanic workers and resident Alaska Native respondents, reported the highest perceptions of COVID-19 risk.
• These findings indicate a clear link between risk perception, socioeconomic factors, and employment decisions in the context of the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Risk perceptions regarding infectious diseases are influenced by socioeconomic characteristics and group identity.
• Understanding these perceptions is crucial for managing public health and economic activities during outbreaks.
• The study underscores the importance of considering diverse risk perceptions in policy-making for essential industries like commercial fishing.