Resolution on Core Principles on Labor Standards in NPFC Fisheries Proposed by the United States of America, Canada, and Republic of Korea

Commercial fishing has been identified as one of the most dangerous professions worldwide.1 In addition to safety concerns, illegal and inhumane working conditions, such as forced labor, occur within the global fishing sector, and are devastating for victims and their families. A lack of safe and decent working conditions for crew members also contributes to the destabilization of maritime security and supply chains, and creates circumstances that lead to the depletion of fish stocks and the degradation of marine ecosystems. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Labour Organization (ILO), and other international fora have noted the importance of RFMOs in comprehensively addressing labor and safety related concerns in the fishing sector, and an increasing number of RFMOs are taking action. For example, in 2018 the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission adopted Resolution 2018-01 “Resolution On Labour Standards For Crew On Fishing Vessels” and in 2023 the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas adopted Resolution 23-20 “Resolution By ICCAT on Core Principles on Labor Standards in ICCAT Fisheries.” Additionally, NAFO adopted Resolution 23-17 in 2023, “Non-Binding Resolution on Core Principles on Labour Standards in NAFO Fisheries.”

The United States is submitting this Resolution on labor and safety standards to underscore the importance of standards for safe, fair, and decent working conditions for crew onboard fishing vessels engaged in NPFC fisheries. Members and CNCPs are encouraged to ensure that they have appropriate national legislation to establish minimum standards regulating crew conditions that are consistent with international minimum standards. The Resolution further calls for NPFC to review this Resolution in three years.