Press Release
14 June 2021
London, UK. In a collaborative international effort with multiple stakeholders, Human Rights at Sea today issues a new Fisheries Observer Infographic 1.0 as a freely available first edition education and information tool detailing the context, scope and safety awareness of this key fisheries role.
Working closely with the Association for Fisheries Observers, WWF, the Global Tuna Alliance, the US Coastguard, the Sustainable Fisheries and Communities Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and PNA Tuna, the new document provides a detailed and current headline review of observer employment, role, working environment, scope of data collection and necessary safety equipment, profiled for greater public awareness.
Fisheries observers help to manage fisheries sustainably by collecting data and by observing if fishing vessels follow existing rules.
The new infographic details observer rights, actions if an observer goes missing, the reporting of abuse, professional support, and current legislative references.
In addition and with the support of the US Coastguard’s Investigative Service (GCIS), the infographic includes details of the US GCIS TIPS app for reporting incidents of unlawful activity that is confidentially passed direct to USCG criminal investigators. This includes any US crime committed on or affecting the maritime community to include illegal fishing, polluting the ocean, maritime smuggling of weapons, narcotics, money, or humans.
The resource is complimented by a cover note expanding upon the need, scope of use and additional information from stakeholders.
Any entity wishing to become involved and wanting to support the collaborative work should contact HRAS via enquiries@humanrightsatsea.org.
A 50 MB high resolution version is available upon individual request.