The Pew Charitable Trusts

The Problem: Commercial fishing is the most dangerous profession in the world, with approximately 24,000 deaths occurring each year—a statistic put out by the International Labour Organization that is likely vastly underestimated. This means millions of fishers risking their lives every day in order for us to eat sushi, calamari, and fish and chips. Yet there are no binding international safety standards for fishing vessels and their crews, as there are with the merchant industry. Why should the life of a merchant be more important than a fisher?
Furthermore, the gap in international regulations opens the door for unscrupulous operators who seek to exploit the fishing industry for financial gain by underreporting catch, fishing illegally, or failing to invest in maintenance of fishing vessels. This can lead to dangerous conditions for crews who are out at sea for months at a time, forced to operate without adequate safety equipment or proper training.

The Answer: The International Maritime Organization’s Cape Town Agreement sets fishing vessel safety standards and provides maritime authorities with a safeguard against dangerous working conditions and exploitation of workers. This international treaty will come into force when 22 States have ratified the agreement with an aggregate of 3,600 eligible fishing vessels, The Philippines is a key player in moving this treaty forward, as it has 620 eligible fishing vessels.

Philippines in Action: 24-26 October the Maritime Industry Authority and the International Maritime Organization will host a workshop, supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, on the Cape Town Agreement to bring together invited government officials, along with speakers from the Food and Agriculture Organization and International Labour Organization. The workshop will serve as a technical training for maritime authorities and also walk through the steps necessary for ratification.