The Challenge
Creating solutions in a complex environment.
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Harmonisation of all the crew on-board guidance, human rights conventions and social accountability standards is needed to support fisheries and markets meaningfully address worker conditions.
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Globally there is not yet an auditable standard.
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Social conditions in fishing is addressed under the International Labour Organisation Convention 188 (Work in Fishing) and a number of other related protocols and criteria, and the FAO are developing Guidelines, but there is no standard.
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Increased governmental scrutiny and compliance requirements.
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Increased civil society scrutiny and calling out of bad actors.
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One RFMO (WCPFC) has a Labour Standards Resolution.
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Demonstrating good social conditions on fishing vessels is becoming a condition of market & resource access.
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Social issues are in the media spotlight. Meaningfully addressing these issues can add value to a product’s provenance and boost sales if approached credibly.
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Compliance costs must be balanced by compliance benefits.
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Investment in improvements can deliver returns in performance.
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Requires openness, transparency, acceptance and implementation.
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Needs to be relevant, applicable, practical and flexible.