Tuna supply chains look to tackle migrant worker failings in processing space

The analysis, titled “A study into the implementation of responsible recruitment practices and the Employer Pays Principle (EPP) in the global tuna processing sector”, was co-launched at an event hosted by the Seafood Ethics Action Alliance (SEA Alliance). Delivered by Impactt, the document and its recommendations aim to identify ways to encourage responsible recruitment practices in the tuna shore-based processing sector, to provide mechanisms for improving labour standards for migrant workers.

At the event, chaired by Julia Black, Group Ethics and Social Sustainability Senior Manager at Hilton Foods and chair of the SEA Alliance, and Georgia Worrall, Head of SEA Alliance, outlined how the group of 39 leading UK retailers and seafood businesses, along with a consortium of seafood groups: the British Retail Consortium, Food Network for Ethical Trade, Global Tuna Alliance and the Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship, sought to respond to industry concerns by commissioning the independent study.

The report was funded by organisations representing participants across the length of the supply chain.

The authors of the study, David Rousseau and Priyanka Kanani, Principal Consultants at Impactt, outlined how the findings highlight both the challenges in establishing enforceable labour standards for migrant workers in tuna processing around the world and explore how the seafood industry is working to improve labour conditions and tackle human rights violations.

With a focus on five countries – Maldives, Mauritius, the Philippines, Seychelles and Thailand – the study centres on migrant labour used in tuna processing, building a picture of practices in each country by reviewing regulatory frameworks and conducting interviews and surveys. It incorporates inputs from external stakeholders as well as industry members and offers tailored recommendations to buyers, suppliers, and industry associations seeking to ensure that responsible recruitment is implemented throughout supply chains.

Key findings from the study include:

• A lack of sufficient commercial or regulatory pressure or incentives for actors to commit suitable resources for full implementation
• Challenges for industry associations to establish enforceable standards or commitments around responsible recruitment
• Complexities in seafood supply chains increase the risks, as well as hindering buyers from achieving sufficient oversight and leverage to encourage suppliers to adopt responsible recruitment practices
• Challenges in understanding the “true” cost of recruitment

It also suggests the following opportunities:

• Industry associations to act as convenors to facilitate dialogue, foster collaboration, and collective engagement to address responsible recruitment
• Buyers to provide incentives for suppliers to implement employer pays principles, support capacity building and embed responsible recruitment principles into their procurement practices
• Suppliers to collaborate with buyers to estimate fair recruitment costs, streamline supply chains, partner with zero-fee recruitment agencies, enforce contractual safeguards, and actively monitor recruitment practices
• All groups to increase information sharing to increase transparency into supplier recruitment practices

“SEA Alliance members are actively seeking a deeper understanding of the issues arising in recruitment in the tuna sector and practical actions that can be taken towards resolving them. The study highlights the urgent need for coordinated action between industry associations, governments, and the private sector to eliminate recruitment issues and increase fair treatment of all workers,” Worrall said. “The SEA Alliance is committed to supporting seafood businesses in aligning with the study’s recommendations and will be sharing the findings across our membership and the seafood sector.”

Global Tuna Alliance Executive Director Daniel Suddaby welcomed the study and confirmed the organisation will be promoting its recommendations to strengthen responsible recruitment in the tuna sector.

“We see this as a valuable contribution to ongoing efforts to ensure fishers’ rights by sourcing from socially responsible states and promoting the implementation and verification of best practice social standards throughout the supply chain. As we roll out our 2025–2030 strategy, we remain committed to supporting improvements in labour practices and decent working conditions in the catching sector and beyond – and to ensuring the spirit of this study is reflected in our collective action,” he said.