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Fisheries Observer Project

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About the Project

Fisheries Observers are the guardians of the ocean. 

They board fishing vessels to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. They regulate our fishing activities to try and keep our ocean ecosystems healthy for future generations. 

But this role can place them in significant dangers. Fishing crews carrying out IUU fishing have murdered Fisheries Observers in the past to make sure they can't report their crimes. Fisheries Observers can face extremely harsh conditions, with little communication or support from crews at sea or colleagues back on land. 

fishers

 

 

The Necessity of Protecting Fisheries Observers at Sea

This report focuses on raising awareness about the safety, security, well-being, and fundamental rights of fisheries observers who work at sea and highlights the critical need to protect and support fisheries observers, as their work is essential for ensuring the sustainability of global fisheries. 

The report includes real incidents, such as alleged harassment and tragic deaths, to illustrate the challenges and risks faced by fisheries observers and provides urgent recommendations for state, regional, and global authorities responsible for fisheries management to take immediate action to improve observer safety and well-being. 

FO
Download the report
Document
HRAS_The_Necessity_of Protecting_Fisheries_Observers_OCT 23.pdf

How are we helping?

We support the human rights of Fisheries Observers.  

We are partnering with the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) to pilot a research project that captures must needed data on the experiences of fisheries observers. 

We are working with Global Fishing Watch and the Blue Marine Foundation to develop new technological and AI driven ways to detect IUU fishing, allowing for smarter deployment of Fisheries Observers. 

We also work with individual Fisheries Observers and their families to support them to obtain justice when their human rights have been violated. 

man on boat

 

 

Related Content

View all resources

Infographic

Fisheries Observer Information Infographic 1.0 First Published 28 May 21.

28 May 2021

Access to justice
Read More

Download

Insight Briefing Note: The Role of a Fisheries Observer. 3 August 2020

03 Aug 2020

Access to justice
Read More

Download

Independent Case Review of death of Kiribati fisheries observer Eritara Aati Kaierua. 19 May 2021.

19 May 2021

Access to justice
Read More

 

 

Help us keep Fisheries Observers safe

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