Strengthening Decent Work in the Fishing Sector in South America

There is growing evidence of labor violations and human rights abuses in illegal, unregulated, or unreported (IUU) fishing off the coast of South America. Workers often lack written work agreements, health care, regular wages, or safe working conditions. They are subject to deception, restriction of movement, and isolation. 

In Ecuador and Peru, migrants who work on foreign vessels, artisanal fishers, and women who work in fish processing plants experience labor exploitation. While the governments of Peru and Ecuador have taken steps to address the problem, challenges remain. There is limited information about labor conditions in IUU fishing; laws and regulations fail to protect workers; governments lack the capacity and resources to address labor violations; and there is scant coordination among government agencies, employers, worker organizations, fishers, and other actors to promote decent work in the fishing sector.