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.
Thai Union Group PCL marks 10 years of leadership in responsible tuna sourcing with the publication of new 2025 Sustainability Report. Thai Union Group PCL is marking 10 years of leadership in responsible tuna sourcing with the publication of its latest Sustainability Report, which outlines the company’s progress across one of the world’s most complex seafood supply chains.
Over the decade since Thai Union set its Global Tuna Sustainability Goals in 2015, the company now sources more than 99.9% of its tuna responsibly, has 95% on the water monitoring coverage and can trace 100% of its tuna back to the vessel of origin.
Compassion in World Farming has welcomed a landmark victory after Nueva Pescanova abandoned plans to build the world’s first commercial octopus farm in Gran Canaria, Spain.
The farm, proposed by Spanish seafood company Nueva Pescanova for the Port of Las Palmas, would have confined around one million octopuses a year in barren tanks and caused serious damage to our oceans.
The plans sparked global outcry from animal welfare organisations, scientists, campaigners and members of the public. Today’s news follows a recent push by Compassion in World Farming to get the Las Palmas Port Authority to officially close the planning application for the farm.
Abanca and Conxemar—the Spanish Association of Wholesalers, Importers, Exporters, and Processors of Fishery and Aquaculture Products—have once again joined forces to boost the 27th edition of Conxemar, the International Seafood Trade Fair. The event will take place from October 6 to 8, positioning Vigo as a global benchmark in the sector.
The agreement was signed by Víctor Casal, Executive Director of Corporate, Business, and SME Banking at Abanca, and Eloy García, President of Conxemar, accompanied by Javier Fraga, Director of Abanca Mar. This long-standing collaboration allows Abanca to remain a sponsor while also supporting the fair through key institutional events and business generation efforts, facilitated by a dedicated Abanca Mar stand.
Source: Industrias Pesqueras | Read the full article here
A coalition of 11 environmental organisations, led by the Blue Marine Foundation, has launched the MPA Legal Coalition to push for stronger protection of Europe's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The group claims that Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain continue to allow destructive activities, including bottom trawling, even within officially protected marine areas.
After filing complaints with the European Commission in 2025 with little progress, the coalition is calling for stricter enforcement of the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives and greater government accountability. According to the organisations, many MPAs remain protected only on paper while activities that cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems continue.
The initiative aims to build local expertise and expand aquaculture output by 2030.
Senegal has begun testing marine aquaculture for the first time as part of efforts to develop alternative fish production systems and reduce pressure on traditional fishing resources.
Two 25-metre floating fish cages aim to boost fish production and create up to 1,000 indirect jobs.
Senegal has launched its first marine aquaculture pilot project featuring two 25-metre floating fish cages in Palmarin, backed by an investment of more than FCFA 350 million (US$607,000). The initiative supports the country's goal of increasing aquaculture production to 20,000 tonnes by 2030, while strengthening food security and employment.
A Chilean company that recycles salmon farming waste has reached a milestone by exporting 30 tonnes of compressed expanded polystyrene (EPS) to Europe
Ceresal SpA developed its operation in Puerto Aysén in 2022, promoting solutions aimed at the recovery and valorisation of waste from the aquaculture industry.
After several years of work and collaboration with different actors in the territory, the company finalised the shipment of compressed EPS to Spain and Belgium, marking its first export and opening new opportunities for the circular economy from the Aysén Region.
Source: fishfarmingexpert | Read the full article here
Norwegian authorities are investigating a suspected case of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) at a SalMar farming site in Troms.
SalMar Oppdrett notified the Norwegian Food Safety Authority on July 28 after tests on fish at the Mjøsund Vest site in Ibestad municipality returned positive PCR results consistent with the disease.
The authority will take additional samples to determine whether the diagnosis can be confirmed.
Restrictions have been imposed at the site while the investigation continues, including a ban on moving fish without specific permission.
Source: SalmonBusiness | Read the full article here
Expert calls for turning public policy into concrete action to strengthen governance, aquaculture, and the blue economy.
Dr. Nazia Sher : is a Research Associate at the NIMA, Pakistan -->
Pakistan must translate its policy progress into practical measures to ensure sustainable fisheries, according to an analysis published by The Financial Daily. The proposal highlights the need to strengthen fisheries governance, modernize management, expand aquaculture, and protect marine ecosystems to advance the Blue Economy while improving food security.
An equally important priority is the establishment of a National Fisheries Coordination and Advisory Task Force operating within Pakistan’s broader maritime governance framework.
The Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill that consolidates and updates regulations to strengthen investment, animal health, and sector competitiveness.
Rwanda's Parliament has approved a new bill governing the livestock and fisheries sectors, replacing four laws that have been in force for 16 years. The legislation aims to professionalize both industries, strengthen animal health, improve product quality, encourage private investment, and align the regulatory framework with international standards to boost competitiveness and food security.
The institute will present a RAS system featuring live yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) to promote technology transfer and support commercial aquaculture development in Argentina.
INIDEP will showcase a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) with live yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) during FIP 2026, to be held from September 17–19 in Mar del Plata. The initiative aims to bring aquaculture technology closer to the private sector and demonstrate the commercial potential of farming this high-value species.
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.
THAILAND
SPAIN.png)
Compassion in World Farming has welcomed a landmark victory after .png)
Abanca.jpg)
After filing complaints with the European Commission in 2025 with little progress, the coalition is calling for stricter enforcement of the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives and greater government accountability. According to the organisations, many MPAs remain protected only on paper while activities that cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems continue.
SENEGAL.png)
Two 25-metre floating fish cages aim to boost fish production and create up to 1,000 indirect jobs.
CHILE.png)
Ceresal SpA developed its operation in Puerto Aysén in 2022, promoting solutions aimed at the recovery and valorisation of waste from the aquaculture industry.
NORWAY.png)
Norwegian authorities are investigating a suspected case of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) at a SalMar farming site in Troms.
PAKISTAN
Expert calls for turning public policy into concrete action to strengthen governance, aquaculture, and the blue economy.
RWANDA.png)
Rwanda's Parliament has approved a new bill governing the livestock and fisheries sectors, replacing four laws that have been in force for 16 years. The legislation aims to professionalize both industries, strengthen animal health, improve product quality, encourage private investment, and align the regulatory framework with international standards to boost competitiveness and food security.
ARGENTINA.png)
