In order to systematically improve the labor rights of migrant fishers who work on Taiwanese distant-water fishing vessels  and to increase the coverage of labor inspection of distant-water fishing vessels, Taiwan Fisheries Agency (TFA) has conducted labor inspections at Port Louis of Mauritius and Port Majuro of Marshall Islands in December, 2022. During this two-week period of inspection, 9 fishing vessels were inspected and 49 migrant fishers were interviewed. 

　　Taiwanese distant-water fishing vessels operate in three oceans and enter foreign ports for supplying or offloading, such as port Louis of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, Port Majuro of the Marshall Islands in the North Pacific Ocean, and other 20  ports. During this inspection, the labor and living conditions of migrant fishers of our distant-water fishing vessels were checked, including the amount of wages and payment, the living space, equipment, drinking water and food supplies on board,  etc. In addition, the attendance records were also checked, and the operators were reminded to comply with the regulations for the protection of the crew members’ rights.

　　TFA emphasizes the importance of the shared efforts to improve the working conditions of migrant fishermen on board, and therefore requests the collaboration of the operators and non-government organizations to create a harmonious and win-win relationship between employers and employees and a sustainable distant-water fisheries. TFA appreciates STELLA MARIS of Mauritius and relevant personnel and embassies, especially the Ambassador of Republic of the Marshall Islands, Mr. Steve C.C. Hsia, for their great helps. TFA will continue to conduct labor inspections, locally and internationally, to safeguard the human rights of the migrant fishers.

　　　　Contact Person: Mr. Ding-Rong Lin Director, Deep Sea Fisheries Division
　　　　Email: dingrong@ms1.fa.gov.tw  
 

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