Pacific Nations Push to Strengthen Labour Protections in Tuna Fishing Industry

The Pacific tuna fishery supplies around 60 per cent of global tuna production from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

Government officials, industry leaders, international organizations and worker representatives from South-East Asia and the Pacific have joined forces to strengthen labour protections in the tuna fishing industry and address exploitation risks that continue to affect workers across the sector. The discussions took place during a two-day regional workshop held in Bangkok on 4–5 June 2026, bringing together key stakeholders involved in one of the world's most important fishing industries. The Pacific tuna fishery supplies around 60 per cent of global tuna production from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. It generates substantial income for Pacific Island nations and provides employment for thousands of workers, including migrant fishers from countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines.

Despite its economic importance, concerns remain about labour conditions throughout the fishing supply chain. Workers can face a range of challenges, including deceptive recruitment practices, excessive recruitment fees, contract changes after hiring, withheld wages, confiscated identity documents, long working hours and dangerous conditions at sea. Participants said stronger cooperation between governments, employers and labour organizations is needed to tackle these issues and improve protection for workers operating far from shore.

Focus on recruitment, inspections and worker protections

During the workshop, delegates explored practical measures that could help reduce exploitation risks and strengthen accountability throughout the industry. Discussions focused on improving recruitment systems, expanding access to grievance and complaint mechanisms, and increasing the use of labour-related indicators during vessel inspections and enforcement activities. Participants also examined ways to improve the early detection of labour abuse cases and ensure workers have access to support and remedies when problems arise.

Tuomo Poutiainen, Deputy Regional Director of the International Labour Organization's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, said stronger compliance requires collaboration across countries and sectors. He noted that protecting fishers and migrant workers depends on practical dialogue and coordinated action that promotes fair recruitment, decent work standards and stronger labour protections throughout the migration corridor connecting South-East Asia and the Pacific.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of placing workers at the centre of policy discussions. Iori Kato, Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, said efforts to improve compliance should focus not only on regulations but also on fairness, dignity and worker protection.

Industry joins effort to improve supply chain accountability

Representatives from the seafood industry, including tuna buyers, vessel operators and the Seafood Task Force, took part in discussions on responsible business practices and supply chain transparency. Participants examined how companies can strengthen labour standards, improve recruitment practices and increase oversight throughout the sourcing process. Greater transparency and stronger due diligence were identified as important tools for reducing labour abuses and improving working conditions.

The workshop also sought to deepen cooperation between Pacific and South-East Asian governments, private-sector companies and worker organizations. Participants agreed that stronger partnerships will be essential for improving accountability across international fishing operations. In 2024, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission adopted a binding Conservation and Management Measure on crew labour standards. The framework established regional requirements designed to improve working conditions, prevent labour rights violations and strengthen oversight aboard fishing vessels.

The Bangkok meeting was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Regional Support Office of the Bali Process (RSO). The initiative forms part of broader efforts to support safe migration, decent work and stronger labour protections within the blue economy across the Asia-Pacific region.