During 1970 – 1973 a comprehensive epidemiological investigation was carried out on the islands of Vaerøy and Røst in Northern Norway; 1,700 people live in the area and fishing provides the main employment. The paper contains mainly a morbidity study, with special reference to factors in the local milieu influencing the morbidity pattern. A few of the major results concerning living conditions and mental health in this fishing population are presented.