IN BRIEF - 22.5% of European commercial fishing vessels accused of using forced labor
EUROPEAN UNION
Monday, February 12, 2024
Europe is second only to Asia, whose companies, especially those from China, own nearly two-thirds of the ships involved in forced labor. An estimated 128,000 fishermen suffer horrific abuses as a result of forced labor on board fishing vessels every year, a figure that likely significantly underestimates the full scale of this crisis.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), abuses include physical violence, non-payment of wages and being required to spend more time in the workplace than allowed.
According to a recent report, 22.5% of commercial fishing vessels accused of forced labor are owned by European companies, led by Spain and the UK.
Most European countries - along with other fishing superpowers such as China, Indonesia and the US - have yet to ratify key treaties prohibiting forced labor on fishing vessels, such as ILO Labor Convention 188, while the relevant EU directive applies only to EU-flagged vessels or vessels operating in EU waters.
Even if countries comply with the ILO Convention and other key agreements, financial secrecy means that the ultimate owners of accused ships can continue to evade justice.
Crucially, ratification of these agreements will result in the proceeds of forced labor courts being consistent with the proceeds of crime under money laundering laws, making prosecution easier.
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Both countries aim to advance sustainable management, research and technology transfer.
Norwegian Ambassador Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen and Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku discussed expanding cooperation in fisheries and marine resources, focusing on production, research, technology and knowledge exchange.
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Incheon inspected nine fishing ports and fish farms in Ganghwa and Yeongjong after water temperatures reached 34.5°C. Farmers are using oxygen generators, water wheels and shade screens, while authorities provide equipment and low-interest loans and assess farming subtropical species.
Barely three weeks into the fishing season, and following an assessment of the fishing grounds, the Falkland Islands government has suspended the *Loligo* squid campaign. This species is one of the most important resources yielded by the waters surrounding the British-administered islands—waters that are the subject of a sovereignty dispute with Argentina. The suspension has a direct impact on the port of Vigo and its processing industry, as Vigo is the primary hub for processing and exporting squid that has been flash-frozen at sea aboard factory ships; these vessels belong to joint-venture fleets involving Vigo-based shipowners and Falkland Islands business partners.
Author: Luis Carlos Llera / La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
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The revenue rise was due to increased sales volumes amid more conservative average market prices for red fish.
Author: Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
A “parking assist” system for aquaculture workboats has been developed following a request from a boatbuilder to a maritime technology company in Norway.
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Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
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Khanh Hoa has licensed 99.9% of eligible fishing vessels, while 100% of vessels 15 metres or longer have VMS. In June, all 6,252 tonnes of seafood landed at ports were electronically recorded to ensure traceability.
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Rising sea temperatures and shifting ocean currents could reduce fish populations.
Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong urged stronger sustainable fishing, catch limits, monitoring and marine protected areas to safeguard fisheries resources and food security.
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Foto: Chancay Port / Ocean Alliance
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EUROPEAN UNION.png)
According to a recent report, 22.5% of commercial fishing vessels accused of forced labor are owned by European companies, led by Spain and the UK.
SINGAPORE
Singapore-listed group establishes Timor Aquahub to develop lobster farming, seafood processing and exports
BANGLADESH
Both countries aim to advance sustainable management, research and technology transfer.
SOUTH KOREA.png)
Emergency measures aim to prevent mass fish deaths during South Korea's extreme summer heat
FALKLAND ISLANDS
Barely three weeks into the fishing season, and following an assessment of the fishing grounds, the Falkland Islands government has suspended the *Loligo* squid campaign. This species is one of the most important resources yielded by the waters surrounding the British-administered islands—waters that are the subject of a sovereignty dispute with Argentina. The suspension has a direct impact on the port of Vigo and its processing industry, as Vigo is the primary hub for processing and exporting squid that has been flash-frozen at sea aboard factory ships; these vessels belong to joint-venture fleets involving Vigo-based shipowners and Falkland Islands business partners. 
UNITED KINGDOM
Salmon farming is a “key anchor” for rural and coastal areas in Scotland, a new independent study has found.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION.png)
The company says it earned 13.8 billion rubles (£125m) for the half year ended 30 June.
NETHERLANDS
The Zeawatch Docking Assist system is designed to help aquaculture operators avoid collisions with objects in the water, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs. It combines a range of technologies to provide the crew with a comprehensive overview of infrastructure, both above and below the waterline.
VIET NAM
The Vietnamese province is advancing efforts to lift the European Commission’s “yellow card” and build sustainable fisheries.
UNITED STATES
New legislation proposes incorporating eDNA to improve scientific assessments of marine stocks.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Rising sea temperatures and shifting ocean currents could reduce fish populations.
