By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has confirmed there are “documented cases of exploitation of Filipino migrant fishers on Chinese vessels,” but no formal complaints have yet been filed with the Commission, Executive Director Dr Rhea Moss-Christian told reporters at WCPFC22 in Manila.
Responding to questions on the status of the Tuna Commission’s new crew labour standards adopted last year to address abuse, forced labour and unsafe working conditions— Dr Moss-Christian acknowledged the seriousness of recent reports.
“There have been reports, there are documented cases of exploitation of Filipino migrant fishers on their China vessels. China’s fleets,” she said.
But she stressed that no cases had been formally raised at the WCPFC.
“As of far, no cases have been brought to the commission on the status of the working conditions of Filipino fishers in Chinese vessels,” she said.
Reporters also asked whether the labour standards measure adopted in 2024 had taken effect.
“The measure doesn’t take effect until 2028,” Dr Moss-Christian said.
“And so the delay is to allow members to put their national requirements into place and to prepare.”
She emphasised that countries are free to adopt the standards sooner.
“It doesn’t preclude members from implementing the measure earlier, and some have indicated that they will,” she said.
“But that measure that was adopted in 2024 is not taking effect under the commission rules until 2028.”
Dr Moss-Christian said preparatory work is already underway to support implementation of the new standards.
“On the labour standards, although that is still due on 2027, we are now working closely with Det Norske Veritas (DNW) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) in finalising the working standards for fish,” she said.
Labour abuse in industrial tuna fleets particularly involving migrant workers from the Philippines, Indonesia and Pacific Island countries has become a growing concern for Pacific governments, worker unions and human rights organisations.
The WCPFC’s labour standards measure is the region’s first binding rule aimed at protecting crew welfare, requiring minimum standards on contracts, wages, safety, medical care and mechanisms for reporting abuse.
