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Insight Briefing Note: Slavery at Sea and Emperors of the Deep (26 July 2020)
26 Jul 2020
Slavery at Sea
Slavery at Sea
It is almost impossible to guarantee that the fish you eat has not been caught by people in slavery.
Slavery at sea is a particular problem because of the lack of visibility.
The 'distant water fleets’ who are responsible for catching most of the words Tuna, Mackerel, Sardines, and Cod are particularly vulnerable to sea slavery. Crew are often at sea for months or even years at a time.
Being a sea slave can mean 20-hour work shifts, torture and, in the worst cases, death.
How is our work helping?
We highlight the problem and bring public and policymaker attention to the prevalence and impact of this terrible human rights abuse.
We engage with states and encourage them to adopt ILO 188 and to adopt crew registration requirements.
We highlight states who are not doing enough to detect, prosecute, and prevent this practice.
We work with supply chain leaders to promote traceability and a 'net to plate' approach.
We highlight companies and individuals who use slavery and human trafficking through investigative work.
We highlight best practice in slavery prevention, detection, and prosecution.
We support victims of slavery and trafficking to obtain justice. We will support other NGOs and CSOs who are working in this space.
