The United States is ramping up its international efforts to tackle Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing while addressing associated labor abuses, such as forced labor in the seafood industry. Through an array of training programs, partnerships, and enforcement measures, U.S. agencies are working to strengthen global maritime law enforcement and promote transparency in seafood supply chains.
Building Capacity Across the Globe
U.S. agencies, including NOAA, USAID, and the Department of Justice, have conducted extensive training programs worldwide to help nations combat IUU fishing.
NOAA hosted 15 workshops for ASEAN countries to implement the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) and enhance monitoring and enforcement capacities. Similarly, workshops in Ecuador and Peru focused on prosecuting fisheries violations. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) partnered with NOAA to conduct training sessions in Vietnam and Central America, while the Department of Justice trained prosecutors in Honduras on investigating environmental crimes.
Multinational exercises such as OBANGAME, CUTLASS EXPRESS in Africa, and TRADEWINDS in Barbados, hosted by the Department of Defense, brought together maritime forces to strengthen readiness against illicit activities.
Strengthening Import Controls and Market Transparency
The U.S. has taken decisive steps to prevent IUU fish and seafood produced through forced labor from entering domestic markets. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforced 51 Withhold Release Orders (WROs), including four specific to seafood, leading to the seizure of over 9 tons of illegal seafood in FY2024. These measures resulted in fines exceeding $273,000.
In an effort to bolster transparency, NOAA launched a seafood action plan targeting traceability and risk detection. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated seafood as a high-priority sector under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), sending a strong message to seafood importers about the need for stringent due diligence in their supply chains.
Promoting Sustainability and Ethical Practices
USAID and NOAA have worked with global partners to enhance seafood sustainability and fair labor practices. In Southeast Asia and Latin America, USAID supported training for port authorities and NGOs to implement PSMA protocols effectively. Meanwhile, the Better Seafood Philippines program, supported by USAID, incentivized sustainable fishing practices and empowered women in seafood processing.
Technology has played a pivotal role in these efforts. USAID introduced an IUU fishing risk score into FishSource, a tool used by retailers to make informed decisions about seafood sourcing. Tools such as DOL’s Comply Chain and Sweat and Toil apps provide accessible resources to identify and mitigate labor abuses in seafood supply chains.
Raising Awareness and Driving Advocacy
Public engagement has been central to the U.S. strategy. Campaigns like USAID’s #BaitToPlate and DHS’s multilingual awareness posters have highlighted labor rights abuses in the seafood industry. Events such as the Our Ocean Conference (OOC) and stakeholder roundtables have fostered actionable discussions about combating IUU fishing.
The U.S. has also spearheaded research to expose forced labor and trafficking in the fishing industry. A study in Costa Rica revealed pervasive forced labor in the Puntarenas fishing sector, prompting calls for improved data collection and action against trafficking networks.
Global Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The U.S. has emphasized international cooperation as a cornerstone of its approach. The IUU Fishing Action Alliance, launched with the United Kingdom and Canada, continues to push for greater transparency in seafood supply chains. Similarly, workshops with ASEAN countries and Southeast Asian partners aim to enhance regional enforcement coordination and information-sharing.
The ongoing efforts demonstrate the United States’ commitment to eradicating IUU fishing, protecting marine ecosystems, and ensuring ethical labor practices. As countries work together to strengthen global fisheries management, the U.S. remains at the forefront, leveraging its expertise and resources to combat these critical challenges.
This initiative underscores the urgency of tackling IUU fishing, which poses threats to marine biodiversity, global trade, and human rights, and highlights the critical need for international partnerships to address this pressing issue.