The fisheries sector ranks among the most hazardous sectors (ILO, 1999). In addition to the inherent risks associated with its activities, the fisheries and aquaculture often grapples with challenges entwined with human and labour rights.

Within some regions, unsustainable practices have been identified, across the entire fisheries and aquaculture value chains. Particularly, at the primary stage of the value chain, which employs nearly 60 million people on a global scale, instances of forced labour, modern slavery, debt-bondage, and other forms of abuse have often come to light.

In some countries, this situation is exacerbated by the lack of social protection mechanisms, limited access to healthcare services, or by the absence of decent working conditions. This poses a threat to the well-being of those who rely on the sector for their livelihoods, which is estimated to be 600 million people (FAO, 2022). Especially vulnerable among those, are groups such as migrant workers, women, children, and small-scale fishing communities.