The U.K. has launched a two-year program to be run by labor rights groups in partnership with the Seafood Ethics Action Alliance (SEA Alliance) to improve working conditions for migrant crews on British fishing boats according to a recent Financial Times article. The scheme is in response to multiple incidences of abuse of migrant fishing crews and cases of forced labor uncovered recently across the seafood fishing sector.  

Cracking down on slavery at sea 

The two-year pilot program is the first of its kind in Europe and sets new minimum standards for pay and working conditions developed by the workers. Workers will oversee the establishment, monitoring, and enforcement of their employment rights to help ensure needed changes are made. 

Chris Williams, fisheries expert from one of the groups launching the program said:  

“The project gives (migrant fishers) a chance for greater protection and improved conditions at work, as well as the ability to shape their own working conditions.”

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