European Parliament has recently voted on the Fishing Control Regulation (FCR), marking the most significant fisheries reform in a decade. The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) enthusiastically welcomes this reform, particularly highlighting the introduction of mandatory Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM), including CCTV, for a substantial portion of the EU fleet. The primary objective is to enhance monitoring and ensure compliance with EU rules, especially regarding the discarding of fish.
A key aspect of the regulation is its focus on combating forced labor, aligning with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention (1930). The FCR recognizes that conducting fishing activities with the use of forced labor contradicts the objectives of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and undermines a level-playing field in the industry. This focus gains significance in light of recent revelations concerning human rights abuses, including forced labor, in China’s distant-water fleet.
These groundbreaking measures position the EU to lead a global charge in creating a more just, fair, and sustainable fishing industry worldwide, according to EJF. With the European Parliament’s approval of the FCR reform, the NGO urges the European Union to take swift action on several critical fronts:
Mandating REM Internationally: The EU, having embraced REM for a significant part of its fleet, should intensify efforts to establish mandatory REM regimes on an international scale, particularly within Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs). These organizations play a crucial role in regulating global fishing activities. EJF emphasizes the need to eradicate human rights abuses, including forced labor, in areas governed by RFMOs, such as the Indian Ocean.
Addressing Forced Labor: The EU should take a lead role internationally in implementing urgent and concrete measures to reduce vulnerability to human and labor rights abuse among fishing crews. This includes advocating for consistent alignment of RFMO rules with international human and labor rights conventions.
The overarching goal is to level the playing field, eliminate systemic human rights abuses, and prevent the overexploitation of fish stocks vital to the livelihoods of many developing countries. The EU’s commitment to combating forced labor, coupled with the adoption of Remote Electronic Monitoring, marks a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of sustainable and ethical fishing practices.
Source: Environmental Justice Foundation