Greenpeace seeks a substantial transformation from fisheries production dominated by large-scale, socially and economically unjust, and environmentally destructive methods to prioritise smaller scale, community-based, labour intensive fisheries using ecologically responsible, selective fishing technology, and environmentally sound practices. International trade in fisheries products should not undermine the legitimate interests of coastal communities, which include protecting fisherfolk’s livelihoods, human and labour rights, or negatively impact food security, especially in developing countries.
To this end, the fish trading, processing, and retailing industry have a fundamental role to play by reviewing their purchasing policies and practices so that market conditions are created to favor fisheries that comply with strict social and environmental criteria. To that end, Greenpeace researches urge retailers, brand owners and seafood companies to adopt our policy outline for seafood sustainability, seafood worker human rights, and chains of custody.
Companion report: Choppy Waters – Forced Labor and Illegal Fishing in Taiwan’s Distant Water Fisheries