A new report from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has exposed severe exploitation and abuse of fishers by distant water fishing fleets registered with the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO).
While SPRFMO has made progress in fisheries conservation and stock management, the ITF report reveals alarming gaps in social and labour protections.
“The SPRFMO must adopt minimum social standards to protect workers and ensure fair and sustainable fishing practices,” said Chris Williams, ITF fisheries section coordinator.
Human trafficking, forced labour and other rights violations have been reported on fishing vessels operating in South American waters.
Between 2013 and 2023, 66 crew members from 59 vessels registered with SPRFMO died or went missing, often under suspicious circumstances.
The report highlights that approximately one death occurred every two months, with 17 deaths attributed to unknown causes. In one case, a crew member who died was left on board for seven months as the vessel continued fishing.
The ITF calls for immediate action to close these gaps, including coordinated inspections across SPRFMO member states to enforce labour protections, and a concerted global effort.
“By strengthening inspections, cooperation and risk assessments, the SPRFMO, working closely with member states, can protect both marine resources and the workers bringing seafood to our plates,” said Williams.
“But without international collaboration, unscrupulous companies will continue to exploit regulatory loopholes and gaps with serious consequences for workers, as this report demonstrates.”
