Forum Fisheries Agency deputy director general Dr Pio Manoa says the new labour standards are crucial to ensure the safety and dignity of crew. Photo: Giff Johnson
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is aiming to improve standards for crew aboard fishing vessels operating in the region.
At its just-finished conference in Suva, the Commission agreed to implement measures aimed at ensuring fair pay, safe and decent working conditions, and protections against forced labour and other abuses.
Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) deputy director general Dr Pio Manoa said the new labour standards are crucial to ensure the safety and dignity of crew.
Pio said the FFA members have been key drivers of this initiative, reflecting the agency's collective commitment to social responsibility in fisheries management.
Meanwhile, non-government organisation Pew Charitable Trust said the WCPFC is making a critical effort to modernise oversight of the world's largest tuna fishery.
The Commission has adopted interim electronic monitoring standards - after ten years of effort - which will ultimately help improve oversight of the region's valuable fisheries.
The move means the work of human observers will be augmented by onboard cameras and other technology.
An officer for the Pew Charitable Trusts' international fisheries project Dave Gershman said electronic monitoring will increase data collection and help ensure that fishers are following the Commission's rules.
However, he said the Commission has again failed to agree to on ways to improve the transparency of transshipment of fish catches.
Pew said the Commission's rules on transshipment remain out of alignment with UN recommendations and lag behind standards adopted by the other four tuna regional fisheries management organisations.