This paper seeks to strengthen academic consideration of social accountability certifications as a tool for improving fishing crew welfare through analysing the findings from third-party audits of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Fishing Industry Association (FIA) tuna sector against the social accountability certificate Fairness, Integrity, Safety, and Health (FISH) standard (FISH, 2021).
More specifically, this paper aims to respond to the question of what lessons can be drawn from the results of third-party audits regarding the potential value of social accountability certification in improving the welfare of fishing crews in trans-national fisheries.
This paper discusses that in the absence of formal governance requirements, companies often use third-party tools such as certifications to address market demands and ensure social accountability (Lout, 2023). While the ability of certification tools to protect the rights of fishers has been questioned (Lout, 2023), we suggest that private certification can be a useful addition to the suite of tools that seek to achieve social accountability in the fishing industry.
This research aimed to provide insights into the third-party audit process for FISH standard certification of the FIA PNG tuna fishery, including the most commonly encountered compliance issues and the industry response to findings of non-compliance (see Annex 2). The non-compliance findings have been summarised into five themes, described in this white paper.
We believe that these findings also contain valuable insights for other fleets who are considering whether or not to undertake social accountability certification
F.I.S.H standard - It is adapted primarily from the International Labour Organization (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention, 2007, Number 188 (ILO C188) and related ILO Guidance Number 199 (R199). In addition, the Standard reflects the intent of the International Maritime Organisation Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977 (as amended). It also incorporates elements from the IMO International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as well as addressing some of the more general concerns that have been voiced in recent years by industry, researchers, and non-governmental groups.
There are areas where data remains unavailable about living and working conditions onboard, and tuna industrial players’ policymakers on local, national, and international levels should use this paper’s outcomes to see where more focus on audits and enforcement is needed.
"The aim of sharing this paper is not just to highlight the good performance of the FIA PNG tuna fleet has achieved regarding ILOC188 and labor rights; it is also to highlight the gaps so that Tuna Industry players can directly invest in improvements," Marcelo Hidalgo said – FIA PNG COO
Link to PDF – Responsible Fisheries Practices
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