China’s hidden fleet in West Africa: a spotlight on illegal practices within Ghana’s industrial trawl sector: Around 90% of Ghana’s industrial fishing fleet is linked to Chinese ownership, despite the fact that Ghana’s laws clearly forbid any foreign ownership or control of vessels flying its flag. The Chinese and Ghanaian governments must now work together to eradicate the illegal fishing practices.
Around 90% of Ghana’s industrial fishing fleet is linked to Chinese ownership, this report reveals. This is despite the fact that Ghana’s laws clearly forbid any foreign ownership or control of vessels flying its flag. The Chinese and Ghanaian governments must now work together to eradicate the illegal fishing practices which are rife in Ghana’s industrial fleet, improve transparency and sanction those contravening ownership laws.
Briefing: China’s hidden fleet in West Africa - a spotlight on illegal practices within Ghana’s industrial trawl sector: Around 90% of Ghana’s industrial fishing fleet is linked to Chinese ownership, despite the fact that Ghana’s laws clearly forbid any foreign ownership or control of vessels flying its flag. The Chinese and Ghanaian governments must now work together to eradicate the illegal fishing practices.
Around 90% of Ghana’s industrial fishing fleet is linked to Chinese ownership, an investigation by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has revealed. This is despite the fact that Ghana’s laws clearly forbid any foreign ownership or control of vessels flying its flag. The Chinese and Ghanaian governments must now work together to eradicate the illegal fishing practices which are rife in Ghana’s industrial fleet, improve transparency and sanction those contravening ownership laws.
Joint Civil Society Statement concerning Implementation of the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention - Thai: The Royal Thai Government (RTG) is aiming to bring Thai legislation in line with international standards. The coalition applauds the RTG for this progress but reiterate much more still needs to be done.
The Royal Thai Government (RTG) is aiming to bring Thai legislation in line with international standards. The coalition applauds the RTG for this progress but reiterate much more still needs to be done. We urge the RTG to consider two crucial aspects in the next steps. First, the definition of forced labour must be harmonised. Second, forced labour must be designated as a stand-alone criminal offence.
Joint Civil Society Statement concerning Implementation of the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention - English: The Royal Thai Government (RTG) is aiming to bring Thai legislation in line with international standards. The coalition applauds the RTG for this progress but reiterate much more still needs to be done.
The Royal Thai Government (RTG) is aiming to bring Thai legislation in line with international standards. The coalition applauds the RTG for this progress but reiterate much more still needs to be done. We urge the RTG to consider two crucial aspects in the next steps. First, the definition of forced labour must be harmonised. Second, forced labour must be designated as a stand-alone criminal offence.
Thailand leads by example on transparency in the fishing industry: Thailand has become one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to publish a full list of all its registered and licensed fishing vessels, alongside a watchlist containing vessels prohibited from fishing.
In a bold step in the struggle against illegal practices and human rights abuse in the fishing industry, Thailand has become one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to publish a full list of all its registered and licensed fishing vessels, alongside a ‘watchlist’ of vessels prohibited from fishing, sunk or damaged, or sold to neighbouring countries.
An EJF policy briefing prepared for the Royal Thai Government: The Royal Thai Government has continued to make progress in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and associated human rights abuses. EJF staff are also now actively engaging with numerous government agencies and special inspection teams across the country.
The Royal Thai Government has continued to make considerable progress in addressing and eliminating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and associated human rights abuses. EJF staff are also now actively engaging with numerous government agencies and special inspection teams across the country.
EJF Position on the National Action Plan Business and Human Rights in Germany: This position paper backs Germany's ‘National Action Plan Business and Human Rights’ but highlights the need for a focus on abuses in the seafood industry.
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) welcomes Germany's ‘National Action Plan Business and Human Rights’ but highlights the need for a focus on abuses in the seafood industry. Germany must now engage readily available cost-effective mechanisms to build transparency in supply chains as a vital step in eradicating human rights abuses.
Thailand leads Asia by ratifying international standards for decent work in fisheries: Thailand is set become the first country in Asia to ratify the Work in Fishing Convention C188, which sets basic standards of decent work in the fishing industry.
Thailand is set become the first country in Asia to ratify the Work in Fishing Convention C188, which sets basic standards of decent work in the fishing industry. Despite obstructive tactics and attempts to derail the process by some sections of the fisheries industry, Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly voted today to ratify the convention. Without further opposition it should be in place January next year.
Joint Civil Society Statement concerning Ratification of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188): This statement was issued by 30 NGOs urging the Thai government to stand strong in eliminating human rights abuses in its fisheries.
Roundtable to discuss the international guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure and the relevance for Ghana’s fisheries sector: This report summarises the discussions in Ghana led by the Environmental Justice Foundation, Hen Mpoano and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation on the implementation of new international guidelines on tenure rights to protect the country's fisheries sector.
In the context of the on-going national reform of the fisheries law framework, the Environmental Justice Foundation, Hen Mpoano and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization organised a roundtable to address the challenges faced by Ghana's small-scale fisheries sector. The report summarises the discussions on how the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security in Ghana will help promote and maintain responsible governance of tenure of fisheries resources.
Joint communiqué from the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council and National Fish Processors and Traders Association: In this communiqué Ghana’s small-scale fishers, fish traders and processors make their priorities clear as the country’s fisheries laws are reformed. EJF supports the recommendations as essential steps to rescue Ghana’s struggling fisheries.
Ghana is currently undergoing a review of its national fisheries law framework, and small-scale fishers, fish traders and processors – represented by the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council and the National Fish Processors and Traders Association – presented a ten-point communiqué to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
The problem with 'saiko', an ecological and human catastrophe: This briefing looks at the problem of 'saiko', an illegal and destructive form of industrial fishing which is threatening Ghana's fisheries
More than 200 villages along Ghana’s coastline rely on fisheries as their primary source of income. However, Ghana's small pelagic fishery, crucial for food security and livelihoods, is on the brink of collapse following decades of over-exploitation. The illegal practice of 'saiko' fishing - the transhipment of fish at sea from industrial trawlers to local canoes - has had a particularly destructive impact on Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries. This briefing looks at the scale of the practice and its impacts on livelihoods, food security and sustainability.