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.
HANOI — The Vietnam Association of Seafood Processing and Export and the U.S. Soybean Export Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance sustainable aquaculture development and boost the global competitiveness of Vietnamese seafood.
The ceremony gathered key representatives including Nguyen Hoai Nam (VASEP General Secretary), Le Hang (Deputy General Secretary, VASEP), Lukas Manomaitis (USSEC Director of Aquaculture Technology for East Asia), Justin Sherlock (ASA Director), and Ralph Bean (Agricultural Counsellor), alongside officials from the U.S. Soybean Association and Foreign Agricultural Service.
The agreement targets improved aquaculture quality and sustainability, support for international certifications such as ASC, BAP, and GlobalG.A.P, and wider use of U.S. soybeans in aquafeed production. It also aims to strengthen trade connections and enhance value across the seafood supply chain, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation.
With five vessels over five days, a survey will be conducted north of the 44° South parallel to determine whether the illex squid population is ready for full fleet harvesting.
If results are positive, authorities could bring forward the season opening, with early signs pointing to a strong campaign for the bonaerense–northern Patagonian stock.
The Consejo Federal Pesquero, in its Act 6, addressed inquiries from the jigging sector about advancing the northern season. To respond, it consulted the INIDEP, whose Cephalopod Program had initially deemed a survey unnecessary. However, following a drop in southern yields, the Institute confirmed that the critical threshold had been reached and recommended proceeding.
The survey was immediately approved, and five vessels were selected to carry it out. If the size of the resource proves adequate, the fishery could be opened and the season begin as early as April 1. Ensuring responsible management will be key to sustaining the resource and advancing toward international certification.
For the second consecutive year, PacificBlu has obtained Zero Waste certification from the international certification body SCS Global Services, after achieving a 98.32% recovery rate for the waste generated at its plants during 2024.
This result represents significant progress compared to the previous year, when the company reached 95.53%, demonstrating continuous improvement in waste management and the implementation of practices related to the circular economy.
The recovery rate was achieved through various management methods, such as recycling, composting, and the reincorporation of waste as raw material in new production processes.
They prioritize local use and sell it at exorbitant prices to foreigners
At Orpagu (Organization of Longline Fishermen of A Guarda), Juana Parada, its manager, is experiencing déjà vu. Reliving the start of 2020. Encountering problems she only remembers from the COVID era. Back then, ships that hadn't touched a Galician port for years arrived in Vigo or A Guarda to moor. Today, six years later, "we're in the same situation," she says. Shipowners are considering heading to Galicia to moor their vessels, "if this continues." By "this," she means with diesel prices skyrocketing, logistical costs soaring, crews practically having to circumnavigate the globe to reach their destination, and, in some cases, even without access to fuel.
Source: La Voz de Galicia | Read the full article here
Following two years-long investigations, NOAA Fisheries has levied a total of USD 222,902 (EUR 193,328) in civil penalties against two seafood importers accused of mislabeling tuna cans as “dolphin safe.”
In conducting retail market spot check audits, NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce’s Tuna Tracking and Verification Program identified two suspect seafood import firms that were importing yellowfin tuna from Mexican purse seiners that were improperly labeled as “dolphin safe.”
An 11-month investigation revealed that a distribution company had imported 74 shipments – weighing a total of 2.2 million pounds – of the improperly labeled canned and pouched tuna.
Author: Nathan Strout / SwafoodSource | Read the full article here
Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on the fishing fleet, with some vessels facing additional daily expenses of up to £1,200, according to a report in The Shetland Times.
The Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) reports that fuel prices have increased by around 30p per litre since the onset of conflict in the Middle East. For larger vessels consuming more than 4,000 litres per day, this equates to a substantial rise in operating costs.Smaller whitefish vessels are also affected, typically using around 2,000 litres of fuel daily
“Opening the EU market to Indonesia, home to the largest tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean: at what price?” This is the question posed by the European fishing industry association Europêche in response to the draft EU-Indonesia agreement, recently published by the European Commission, which grants preferential access to the tuna market.
Under the proposed agreement, fresh and frozen tuna fillets would be fully liberalized, with a 0% tariff from the date of entry into force and no quotas, while processed tuna products would be subject to tariff quotas: 5,000 tons per year for tuna loins and 800 tons per year for canned tuna, both duty-free only within the quota.
Source:Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
Line Ellingsen has been re-elected as chair of Sjømat Norge following the organisation’s annual general meeting in Trondheim.
Ellingsen is chief executive of Ellingsen Seafood in Skrova in the Lofoten archipelago and also serves as vice president of NHO, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise.
“It is a recognition of the work the board has done during the current period, and I look forward to starting a new term together with the rest of the board,” Ellingsen said in a statement.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Lower, more stable prices in the salmon market helped Iceland Seafood International, the big Nordic salmon and whitefish exporter, which has told investors than 2025 was a year of “solid progress” for the business.
Presenting the company’s annual report, group CEO Ægir Páll Friðbertsson said lower, more stable prices in the salmon market had helped through last year. He said that all divisions within the Group had delivered strong results during in 2025, despite various external challenges, highlighting the business’s resilience and competitiveness.
In 2025, prices for cod, related species, and mackerel increased, while demand remained stable in our key markets.
Author:Vince McDonagh / Fish Farmer | Read the full article here
The main shareholder in the Norwegian salmon farmer is reviewing its ownership in the company, while chief executive Helge Kvalvik is stepping down.
The news was stated in two stock exchange announcements yesterday afternoon.
Heimstø AS, which controls around 70% of the shares in Måsøval, has decided to initiate a strategic assessment of its ownership. The company emphasises that no decision has been made regarding a transaction, but that various alternatives will now be considered.
DNB Carnegie is engaged as financial advisor in the process.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
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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.
VIET NAM
The ceremony gathered key representatives including Nguyen Hoai Nam (VASEP General Secretary), Le Hang (Deputy General Secretary, VASEP), Lukas Manomaitis (USSEC Director of Aquaculture Technology for East Asia), Justin Sherlock (ASA Director), and Ralph Bean (Agricultural Counsellor), alongside officials from the 
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If results are positive, authorities could bring forward the season opening, with early signs pointing to a strong campaign for the bonaerense–northern Patagonian stock.
CHILE
For the second consecutive year, 
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At 
UNITED STATES
Following two years-long investigations, 
UNITED KINGDOM
Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on the fishing fleet, with some vessels facing additional daily expenses of up to £1,200, according to a report in The Shetland Times.
“Opening the EU market to Indonesia, home to the largest tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean: at what price?” This is the question posed by the European fishing industry association 
NORWAY.png)
Line Ellingsen has been re-elected as chair of
ICELAND.png)
Presenting the company’s annual report, group CEO Ægir Páll Friðbertsson said lower, more stable prices in the salmon market had helped through last year. He said that all divisions within the Group had delivered strong results during in 2025, despite various external challenges, highlighting the business’s resilience and competitiveness..png)
The news was stated in two stock exchange announcements yesterday afternoon.
