A new study suggests that more than 100,000 fishing-related deaths occur each year – three to four times greater than previous estimates. Photo by Pok

Commercial fishing is still one of the world’s most dangerous jobs – and IUU fishing makes it worse

The following is an excerpt from an article published by The Responsible Seafood Advocate:

New research shows that more than 100,000 people die annually across the global fishing sector, more than previously estimated

“It has been widely speculated that fisher mortality estimates have undercounted and hidden the danger of fishing,” said Eric Holliday, chief executive of FSF. “Our analysis is the first of its kind and conclusively shows that a lack of transparency in the fishing industry endangers lives by obscuring the full picture of what occurs on vessels or at fishing grounds, making it difficult for governments to set effective policies to improve safety.”

Aside from fisher mortality estimates, serious injuries and abuses, including child labor and decompression sickness (e.g., from workers being forced to make repeated deep dives to harvest lobster), are also well-documented across the sector.

But what exactly is driving the danger? And how can safer occupational environments be created so that the seafood industry can continue to grow and thrive?

Uncovering the root causes

When it comes to naming and blaming, the study points to “insufficient and unenforced safety regulations” as a key challenge, but also other overlapping factors that “lead individuals to risk their lives and die on the water.” These include:

• Geopolitical conflict
• Overfishing
• Climate change
• Scarcity of fish due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (or IUU fishing
• Desperation caused by poverty and food insecurity challenges driving fishers into IUU fishing practices

Regarding those most at risk, the study findings indicate that these deaths and injuries disproportionately affect impoverished people (including children) in low-income countries, which is a major reason they are not always officially reported and recorded.

According to FAO, more than 3 billion people rely on fish and other marine species as a significant source of protein – and experts predict that number to increase in the future. Without action, that could increase occupational risk.

“While fishing can be inherently risky, the harsh reality is that many of these deaths were and are avoidable,” said Peter Horn, a project director with Pew’s international fisheries project, which is focused on ending and preventing illegal fishing. “With 3 billion people reliant on seafood and the demand expected to rise, stronger policies are urgently needed to keep fishers safe, including ones that address the true drivers of these deaths.” (continues...)

Author: Lisa Jackson | Read the full article by clicking the link here

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