Taiwan Fisheries Agency Advances Fisheries Labor Inspections Globally (February-September 2023)
- Update
- 2023-10-23
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Taiwan Fisheries Agency (TFA) is actively engaged in a comprehensive labor inspection initiative in Fiji, Cape Town of South Africa and Port Louis of Mauritius, spanning February to September 2023. The primary objective is to safeguard the rights of migrant crew members operating on Taiwanese distant-water fishing vessels. TFA has already carried out 5 labor inspections, inspected 157 vessels and interviewed 740 migrant fishers in 3 above-mentioned places this year.
This rigorous undertaking encompasses not only thorough inspections but also direct interviews with crew members, aimed at gaining valuable insights and swiftly addressing any concerns. Mr. Lindsay Meyepa of Stella Maris Mauritius, Fr. Rico Talisic of Stella Maris Cape Town, two key collaborators, have been instrumental in this endeavor, working closely with TFA. And Chang Chih-Sheng, the Director-General of TFA, joined the isnspection in Fiji to visit the forefront of labor right of migrant fishman.
Taiwanese distant-water fishing vessels operate across multiple oceans, including the Indian Ocean with regular port visits to Port Louis, Mauritius. The inspections encompass a holistic assessment of both working and living conditions, including wage structures, living spaces, safety equipment availability, provisions of essential supplies, and adherence to attendance records. Operators are reminded to adhere to regulations, prioritizing crew members' rights.
TFA underscores the imperative of collective efforts to enhance the working environment for migrant crew members. A call is made for collaboration between operators and non-governmental organizations to foster a harmonious employer-employee dynamic, crucial for sustaining distant-water fisheries in the long run.
TFA extends its gratitude to STELLA MARIS of Cape Town,Mauritius and FCF Co, Ltd. (FCF) for their invaluable support. The agency reaffirms its commitment to ongoing local and global labor inspections, ensuring the rights of migrant crew members remain paramount.
Contact Person: Xue Poyuan
Email: poyuan0720@ms1.fa.gov.tw
TFA has professional and sufficient inspectors to implement the inspect task globally.
TFA inspector were interviewing with migrant fishers in Mauritius.
TFA officers and inspectors took picture with Taiwan fishing vessel and crew members in Mauritius.
TFA inspector was checking the expiration date of medicine on the fishing vessel.