Illegal fishing and poor working conditions examined

Logo of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, original uploader: w:en:User:Cptnemo [Public domain])

Combatting illegal fishing and poor working conditions in the fisheries sector were discussed at a meeting held in Seychellesby representatives from 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region. Human rights abuses in the fisheries sector and unregulated illegal fishing and associated crimes were also discussed.

"It is important to follow up on this work at international, regional and national levels,"said  FAO's Felix Martin, "and it's important to have stakeholders from governments, seafood industry, fishworker organizations and unions from ten different East African countries working alongside us in the Seychelles to discuss concrete next steps to achieving decent work in the sector throughout the Western Indian Ocean"

FAO’s Scoping study on decent work and employment in fisheries and aquaculture highlighted that assuming that on average each job-holder provides for three dependents or family members, it is estimated that overall, fisheries and aquaculture contributes to the livelihoods of 10–12 percent of the world’s population.

More details can be found in the press release here.