This article explores solutions addressing key challenges in the Southeast Asian fisheries industry, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, labor rights violations, and the urgent need for technological advancement. It will examine the impact of these challenges on both marine ecosystems and local communities, highlighting innovative approaches that aim to ensure sustainable practices and protect the livelihoods of those dependent on the industry.
The Southeast Asian fisheries industry is a vital component of the region's economy, providing livelihoods to millions and serving as a crucial source of food for both local and global markets. However, this industry is currently facing a multitude of challenges that threaten its sustainability and long-term viability. Among the most pressing issues are the pervasive problems of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as widespread labor rights violations. These challenges are compounded by the urgent need for technological advancements to enhance the industry's efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
IUU fishing is one of the most significant threats to the sustainability of Southeast Asia's fisheries. This illicit activity not only depletes fish stocks at unsustainable rates but also undermines the economic stability of legitimate fishers and coastal communities. Research shows that IUU fishing caused over $6 billion in economic losses in Southeast Asia in 2019, with Indonesia and Vietnam being particularly hard hit (Amti: 2022). Besides, it is also a significant destroyer of marine ecosystems. The absence of proper monitoring and enforcement enables IUU fishing to thrive, resulting in the degradation of marine habitats and a severe loss of biodiversity. Studies indicate that IUU fishing depletes fish stocks at unsustainable rates, disrupts marine food chains, and inflicts widespread damage on marine ecosystems. It also further undermines biodiversity and intensifies the impacts of climate change on ocean resources (Revistademarina: 2023).
Another critical issue plaguing the fisheries industry in Southeast Asia is the violation of labor rights. Many workers in this sector are subject to exploitative conditions, including forced labor, inadequate wages, and unsafe working environments. Research highlights that forced labor and human trafficking are pervasive in Southeast Asia's fisheries industry, with migrant workers frequently coerced into dangerous, low-wage conditions on fishing vessels across countries like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam (Asean Act: 2023). The lack of regulation and oversight in many parts of the industry allows these abuses to persist, tarnishing the industry's reputation and raising significant ethical concerns (Hrw: 2018).
The severe impacts of IUU fishing and widespread labor rights violations in Southeast Asia's fisheries demand immediate, coordinated action. Strengthening regulations, improving enforcement, and protecting workers' rights are essential to ensuring the sustainability of marine resources, the economic stability of coastal communities, and the ethical integrity of the industry.
To effectively tackle the numerous challenges facing the Southeast Asian fisheries industry, collaboration is essential. Recognizing this, USAID SuFiA TS is taking a proactive approach by engaging the private sector through regional industry forums.
These forums are designed to bring together diverse actors and private sector members to lead reforms and achieve economic benefits through improved practices. Represented by our Head of Sectors, Sarah Harding, we joined forces with other stakeholders to provide solutions addressing issues like IUU fishing in the fisheries industry. Here's how various actors and stakeholders can play a role:
1. Improving Risk Analysis with Technology
Emphasis on leveraging technology to identify trends, anomalies, and potential trade monitoring issues. Advanced tools can significantly enhance the ability to monitor and mitigate risks associated with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. One such technological advancement is remote sensing, which gathers data through remote sensors to provide detailed insights into Earth's systems, aiding informed decision-making. This technology can be applied in fisheries to improve catch management, optimize fishing efforts, and detect environmental threats, thereby promoting sustainable practices. We are exploring how these advancements can be integrated into fisheries management, similar to how it is already utilized in aquaculture for precision farming. Applying similar technologies in fisheries could offer substantial benefits for the overall seafood industry. (Koltiva: 2024)
2. Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive & Human Rights Due Diligence
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and Human Rights Due Diligence are critical frameworks designed to ensure that businesses operate responsibly, particularly in sectors known for high risks, such as the fisheries industry. These directives emphasize the importance of rigorous due diligence processes to identify, prevent, and address potential human rights abuses and environmental impacts within the supply chain.
In the fisheries sector, the high risk of human rights violations, such as forced labor, as mentioned above, highlights the urgent need for companies to implement comprehensive due diligence. This includes assessing operational impacts, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with international human rights and sustainability standards. By adhering to these directives, companies can mitigate risks, enhance their reputation, and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable fisheries industry.
3. Capacity Building for Small-Scale and Mid-Size Fishers
Despite numerous existing programs, small-scale and mid-size fishers continue to express a strong need for comprehensive capacity-building and targeted training opportunities. According to Sarah, to enhance their involvement in sustainable fisheries management, it is essential to provide specific training that addresses critical areas such as human rights awareness, Code of Conduct (CoC) compliance, post-harvest practices, and improving trip efficiency. Additionally, focusing on vessel safety and promoting good financial practices can also empower fishers to manage their resources more effectively. By equipping fishers with these skills and knowledge, communities can boost their resilience and prosperity while contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fish stocks for future generations.
"The focus should be on both the fishery and the fishers themselves. Small-scale fishers make up a large portion of those involved in fisheries, and they are eager to learn and improve their productivity and income. However, there aren't enough programs available to meet their needs, not because of a lack of interest from the fishers but due to limited capacity and the scarcity of existing programs. While there are some good programs out there, there's still a significant gap," said Sarah.
4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at Sea
Occupational health and safety are crucial in ensuring the well-being of workers at sea. The importance of ratifying key conventions, such as ILO C188, which specifically addresses working conditions in the fishing industry, cannot be overstated. These conventions set vital standards for safety, fair treatment, and proper working conditions, helping to protect those who work in this challenging environment (ILO: 2017). This plays a critical role in preventing forced labor, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
5. Streamlining Efforts and Reducing Redundancies
There is a need to reduce redundancies in efforts and activities. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the focus should be on improving and building on existing frameworks and solutions. This approach not only conserves resources but also enhances efficiency and effectiveness. By prioritizing collaboration and leveraging existing successful models, the industry can achieve more sustainable outcomes and avoid the pitfalls of fragmented efforts.
"Traceability in the fisheries industry involves many stakeholders—processors, producers, distributors, and regulatory bodies—each using different protocols, technologies, and data formats. This creates redundancies and inefficiencies, making it difficult to maintain consistent transparency in supply chains. Streamlining efforts through industry-wide standards, collaborative data platforms, and joint training initiatives could reduce these redundancies," said Sarah.
6. Providing accessible certification processes
Certification remains out of reach for the majority of fishers. This highlights the need for more accessible certification processes that can accommodate small-scale operations. Sarah says that some notable certifications in the fisheries industry include MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), which focuses on sustainable fishing practices, and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), which sets standards for responsible aquaculture. BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) is another key certification that covers environmental and social responsibility, animal welfare, and food safety. Additionally, certifications like Friends of the Sea and GlobalGAP offer seafood standards that emphasize sustainability and ethical practices. Simplifying these processes would enable a broader range of fishers to meet sustainability standards, ultimately benefiting the environment and fishing communities alike.
"Alternative approaches like community-based management, partnerships with NGOs, and direct technical support can empower local fishers and promote sustainability without the need for formal certification. The focus should be on making these processes more accessible and inclusive," said Sarah.
Technological Solutions for Addressing IUU Fishing in Southeast Asian Fisheries
In addition to combating IUU fishing and labor rights violations, the Southeast Asian fisheries industry must also embrace technological advancements to enhance its sustainability and efficiency. Technological solutions can play a crucial role in improving traceability, monitoring fish stocks, and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. By adopting modern tools such as digital traceability systems, data analytics, and automated monitoring technologies, the industry can better manage resources, reduce waste, and optimize supply chains.
"Digital solutions are pivotal in revolutionizing the seafood industry by enhancing traceability, optimizing supply chain management, and ensuring sustainability. This forum was a great platform for sharing knowledge, exploring new solutions, and boosting regional cooperation. We understand the critical issues facing supply chains, especially regarding human rights and labor exploitation. Our strategic vision leverages our expertise in traceability and sustainability from existing projects to develop tailored solutions for the fisheries sector," said Sarah, who actively participated in the event.
We offer KoltiTrace MIS. This management information system empowers businesses with a powerful platform to trace and verify product origins, ensure compliance with sustainability standards, and enhance overall efficiency. Through its seamless integration with web and mobile applications, KoltiTrace provides comprehensive tools for managing supplier and producer data, transactional traceability, and geo-location and mapping features. With robust dashboards and reporting tools, KoltiTrace delivers the insights necessary for informed decision-making, supporting the adoption of sustainable practices and meeting regulatory requirements. Ultimately, KoltiTrace helps maintain the highest quality standards across the supply chain, contributing to the long-term resilience and viability of the seafood sector.
Through KoltiTrace MIS, significant progress has been made in the aquatic resources sector, which includes key industries such as seaweed, sea salt, and shrimp. To date, KoltiTrace MIS has successfully registered more than 6,000 producers and 124 businesses in these sectors. Additionally, nearly 7,000 production plots have been registered, and 4,619 hectares of farm plots and production areas have been verified.
Capacity Building for Small-Scale and Mid-Size Fishers
Understanding the importance of empowering small-scale and mid-size producers, KoltiSkills extends beyond risk management to provide essential capacity-building initiatives. We offer comprehensive group training programs aimed at raising awareness of sustainable practices within these communities. These training sessions are complemented by one-on-one coaching, tailored to support producer households in the practical implementation of their improvement plans or preparation for certification. By equipping producers with the knowledge and tools they need, we help them transition towards more sustainable and profitable practices.
Recognizing the barriers that small-scale operations often face in achieving sustainability certifications, KoltiSkills also includes accessible certification processes. These processes are designed to be inclusive, accommodating the unique needs of small-scale producers in the industry. We guide producers through the certification journey, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards to achieve recognized sustainability certifications. This not only enhances their marketability but also reinforces overall sustainability.
The challenges in the fisheries industry require not only advancements in traceability, sustainability, and capacity building but also a strong emphasis on financial inclusion. Financial inclusion is critical to empowering small-scale producers and businesses, ensuring they have access to the resources needed to thrive in an increasingly complex market. KoltiPay plays a crucial role in advancing financial inclusion within industries by providing smallholder producers, rural businesses, and traders with access to essential financial services through its integration with the KoltiTrace MIS platform. KoltiPay enables producers to manage e-payments, savings, and responsible financing, as well as make direct payments for essentials like electricity and health insurance. Additionally, rural businesses can utilize the KoltiTrace MIS Business apps for streamlined financial transactions, ensuring that even the most remote communities are fully integrated into the economic system. This accessibility and efficiency in financial management not only empowers small-scale operations but also contributes to overall sustainability and resilience.
If you're looking for a partner to help sustainable change, we're here to collaborate. Our technologies support responsible sourcing and help deter illegal practices, but strong enforcement and policy measures are also crucial. Let's work together to build a more sustainable and equitable future for fisheries!
Resources:
ASEAN-ACT. (2023). Migrant fishers. ASEAN-Australia Counter-Trafficking. Retrieved from https://www.aseanact.org/story/migrant-fishers/
Human Rights Watch. (2018). Hidden chains: Rights abuses and forced labor in Thailand’s fishing industry. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/report/2018/01/23/hidden-chains/rights-abuses-and-forced-labor-thailands-fishing-industry
International Labour Organization. (2017). ILO work in fishing convention (No. 188) enters into force. International Labour Organization. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/ilo-work-fishing-convention-no188-2007-enters-force#:~:text=Convention%20No.%20188%20sets%20out%20binding%20requirements%20to,protection%20at%20the%20same%20level%20as%20other%20workers.
Koltiva. (2024). Driving sustainable aquaculture practices: The role of traceability platforms, remote sensing, and quality management systems. Koltiva. Retrieved from https://www.koltiva.com/post/driving-sustainable-aquaculture-practices-the-role-of-traceability-platforms-remote-sensing-and-q
About Writer: Kumara Anggita, Content Writer
Contributor: Sarah Harding, Head of Sectors
Editor: Daniel Prasetyo, Head of PR and Corporate Communication
Kumara Anggita, serving as Koltiva's dedicated Content Writer, brings a wealth of experience from her six-year tenure in journalism in the fields of humanities and lifestyle, as well as her role as a writer in the tech industry. Her deep-rooted passion for gender equality and sustainability spurred her to enhance her reporting and storytelling skills through the EmPower Media Bootcamp by UN Women. Now, Kumara utilizes her platform to advocate for sustainable practices and gender equality through her compelling writing.
Comments