Washington, DC – FishChoice released an interim policy on forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking today.
In response, Greenpeace USA Senior Oceans Adviser Andy Shen said:
“Greenpeace applauds FishChoice’s decision to institute an interim policy on forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking covering all of the Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) listed on its platform, FisheryProgress, though more work remains to develop a strong permanent policy that will ensure long-term change on the water. As FisheryProgress covers more than 85% of FIPs globally, FishChoice’s policy could significantly reduce human and labor rights abuses in fisheries around the world, and by extension, illegal and overfishing. With over 2,000 users, FishChoice’s policy could also catalyze much needed improvements on human rights due diligence by U.S. buyers.
“Unlike the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which pursued a low bar approach that will fail many workers, FishChoice rightly prioritized workers’ rights and wellbeing in their policy. Most notably, FishChoice agreed to investigate all credible allegations of a breach of their policy and is requiring offenders to take measures to prevent future abuses, not just focus on short-term fixes. FishChoice should also be commended for its commitment to transparency in reporting violations of its policy to all users on its platform.
“While FishChoice’s interim policy is a good first step, a robust and proactive long-term policy along with effective implementation is needed to truly address the myriad abuses that can occur in FIPs. Expanding the scope of its policy to cover all fundamental human rights, core labor standards, and the ILO Work in Fishing Convention would greatly increase protection for fishers as well as fisheries observers. Requiring full disclosure of fishing vessels participating in FIPs is also needed to strengthen accountability for both rights violations and unsustainable fishing practices.
“Greenpeace looks forward to supporting FishChoice’s continued leadership on human rights in FIPs.”
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Contact: Perry Wheeler, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, P: 301-675-8766
