Sustainable fishing industries must end labor exploitation of workers at sea

The global fishing industry faces a critical paradox: while conservation efforts have long focused on protecting fish stocks and ocean ecosystems, they have largely ignored the widespread exploitation of the workers who make these fisheries possible. A growing chorus of experts argues that truly sustainable fisheries cannot be built on the backs of exploited laborers, particularly migrant workers on distant-water fishing fleets.

International maritime law already provides a framework to protect fishing crews through agreements like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the International Labour Organization’s Work in Fishing Convention. These laws clearly establish that flag states—countries where ships are registered—have legal obligations to ensure safe working conditions and fair treatment of crews on their vessels. However, enforcement remains woefully inadequate across much of the global fleet.

The reality for many fishing workers, especially migrants, is harsh: dangerous working conditions, exploitative labor practices, and little oversight once vessels leave port. Many flag states either lack the resources or political will to monitor their fleets effectively, creating a system where accountability vanishes on the open ocean. This enforcement gap has allowed labor abuses to persist even as the fishing industry promotes sustainability certifications and conservation initiatives.

Environmental advocates increasingly recognize that genuine ocean sustainability requires protecting both marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them for their livelihoods. Without addressing labor exploitation, fisheries management systems lack both credibility and long-term viability, undermining broader conservation goals.