On 4^th August, the Fisheries Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, hosted the 2026 Fishery Labor Rights and Sustainable Development Forum at the Grand Hi-Lai Hotel in Kaohsiung. The forum brought together around 150 representatives from government authorities, international organizations, industry, labor groups, academia, and non-governmental organizations from Taiwan and abroad to exchange views on fisheries labor rights, supply chain governance, and international cooperation.

　　Director-General Wang, Mao-Cheng delivered the opening remarks, followed by remarks from Chang, Chung-Lung, Deputy Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council and Director-General of the Coast Guard Administration; Lee Skluzak, Director of the Kaohsiung Branch of the American Institute in Taiwan; and Arif Sulistiyo, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Trade Office of Indonesia. Through keynote speeches, thematic presentations, and panel discussions, participants exchanged views on key challenges and opportunities related to labor rights and sustainable development in the fisheries sector, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and building consensus on advancing fisheries reform.

　　The Fisheries Agency indicated that corporate social responsibility, labor rights, and supply chain due diligence have become increasingly important considerations across global supply chains. Against this backdrop, the protection of labor rights in the fishing industry has emerged as a key element of international fisheries governance.

　　Taiwan has continued to implement its “Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Rights” and actively promotes the domestic implementation of the International Labour Organization’s Work in Fishing Convention. The government has also continued to strengthen measures concerning migrant fishers’ wage protection, working conditions, at-sea telemedicine, onboard Wi-Fi access, and welfare and living support. These initiatives are intended to further improve working conditions in the fisheries sector and demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of fishers while promoting sustainable fisheries development.

　　The forum focused on three major themes: “Practical Implementation of Human Rights in Fisheries,” “Principles of Fair Recruitment,” and “Supply Chain Due Diligence and Fishers’ Rights Protection.” International and Taiwan’s Experts and scholars shared insights into international policy trends, legal and regulatory developments, and industry practices. Participants also engaged in in-depth discussions on improving working conditions and preventing forced labor, among other issues, and put forward a range of concrete recommendations to inform future policy development.

　　International speakers also shared experiences from various countries in promoting labor rights protections and sustainable fisheries governance. Their exchanges with representatives of Taiwanese government agencies, industry, labor organizations, and civil society helped deepen stakeholders’ understanding of international developments and best practices, while strengthening cooperation between Taiwan and its international partners.

　　Deputy Minister Huang, Chao-Chin of the Ministry of Agriculture stated that protecting the labor rights of fishers, promoting fair recruitment, and implementing responsible supply chain practices have become key priorities in global fisheries governance and are fundamental to enhancing the competitiveness of the fisheries industry.

　　The Fisheries Agency will continue to implement the second phase of the “Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Rights,” further strengthen relevant laws, regulations, and management measures, and incorporate the valuable recommendations raised during the forum into future policy initiatives. These efforts will help safeguard the rights and welfare of fishers, promote sustainable development of the fisheries industry, and further enhance Taiwan’s international competitiveness in the global fisheries sector.

　　　　Contact Person: Deputy Director-General, Ding-Rong Lin

　　　　Email: dingrong@ms1.fa.gov.tw

  Opening Remarks by Director General Wang Mao-Cheng, Fisheries Agency

  Closing Remarks by Deputy Minister Huang Chao-Chin, Ministry of Agriculture

  Group Photo of Panelists

  Group Photo of All Participants

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