With the launch of the Social Policy Guidelines for the Fiji Fishing Industry Association (FFIA), efforts are underway to strengthen socially responsible and sustainable practices within the longline tuna sector.
The guidelines outline clear expectations for fishing companies and align the industry with international labour and human rights standards.
They focus on six key areas: occupational health and safety at sea, forced labour, child labour, employment contracts, corporate responsibility and transparency, and freedom of association and collective bargaining.
The initiative is intended to address ongoing social challenges in the sector, support compliance with international market requirements and enhance the global competitiveness of Fiji’s tuna products.
Conservation International managing director for Pacific Environment Impact, Mere Lakeba, said the launch reflected a renewed commitment to protecting workers whose livelihoods depended on natural resources.
“Through these policy guidelines, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding integrity, strengthening social systems and ensuring that vulnerable groups, especially those who depend directly on our natural resources, are supported and safeguarded,” Ms Lakeba said.
FFIA president Radhika Kumar said the guidelines were designed to improve working conditions and protect the welfare of seafarers.
“By implementing these guidelines, companies can help ensure seafarers work in safe, fair and dignified conditions, have their rights and welfare protected, enjoy transparent and equitable employment and contribute to a sustainable and ethical maritime industry where professionalism and human rights are valued,” Ms Kumar said.
The guidelines were developed through consultations with government ministries, international partners, industry bodies and workers’ unions.
They form part of a five-year memorandum of understanding between Conservation International and FFIA under the Jurisdictional Initiatives for Tuna Project and will be available on both organisations’ websites.
