Offshore Fish Farmer Not Protected by Jones Act

Maine’s highest court ruled that an offshore aquaculture worker did not qualify as a seaman covered by the Jones Act. Case: Potter v. Great Falls Insurance Co., No. WCB-19-456, 12/29/2020, published. Facts: Darla Potter worked as a marine technician for Cooke Aquaculture USA Inc. at an offshore salmon farming operation. Her primary job was to care for the fish, which were raised in cages located less than one mile offshore. Potter's duties consisted of tending, feeding and harvesting the fish, as well as cleaning, maintaining and repairing the pens and nets. The job was ...