The Market Advisory Council is among the most influential international bodies in the fishing sector. It unites the entire seafood value chain, from primary producers to processors, traders, suppliers, retailers, and unions, along with advocacy groups such as development and environmental NGOs. The council voices the concerns of its members to the European Commission on matters related to fishing and aquaculture markets.
One of the latest reports, prepared by an external consultancy and delivered to Brussels, examines the global reach of forced labor and its potential impact on the Twenty-Seven. The study notes that member states import more than four billion dollars worth of fish from regions at high risk for forced labor. These conditions typically involve physical tasks performed under demanding, sometimes extreme, coercive circumstances.
In total, the report estimates 4.175 million workers could be affected, counting major species typically linked to forced labor as they enter Europe. The document highlights examples such as salty cod from Russia at 425 million dollars in imports, haddock from Alaska at 375 million, and warm-water shrimp from India at 291 million. The list also includes tuna from the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, valued at 157 and 133 million respectively.
Country by country, China leads with about 1.521 million along with India at 771 and Russia at 655. The Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand are cited as other high-risk sources, with these nations previously receiving yellow cards from the European Commission for insufficient cooperation and regulation on the high seas. Ghana continues to face similar scrutiny, and Sri Lanka has faced stronger measures, including a temporary halt on certain imports due to concerns over governance and enforcement.
Drawing on the forecasts from the International Labour Organization, Walk Free, and the International Organization for Migration for 2022, the study stresses that forced labor is a global problem touching multiple sectors, including fisheries and aquaculture. More than 28 million people are believed to be affected worldwide, with the Asia-Pacific region bearing the heaviest burden. In response, Brussels introduced a new regulation proposal last year aimed at banning the import of goods produced under forced labor, including seafood and other products tied to coercive labor practices.
This initiative proposes a comprehensive ban that would apply beyond seafood to all goods produced through involuntary labor. The framework emphasizes risk-based implementation and calls for coordinated action among national authorities to ensure effective enforcement.
EC deputy president and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis praised the move, noting that it should make a real difference in the fight against modern slavery. He underscored the intent to keep administrative burdens manageable for businesses, with special considerations for small and medium-sized enterprises, and stressed intensified cooperation with global partners.
Exploitation of minors
Coinciding with the proposal’s release, which awaits discussion and approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, the Market Advisory Council commissioned a report to gather data on species, products, countries, and firms most likely tied to forced labor in both production and EU imports. The aim is to offer concrete recommendations to the Twenty-Seven for consideration during inter-institutional negotiations.
Among the recommendations, the MAC advocates for stronger international cooperation and clearer advocacy. The document calls for ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 and for enhanced bilateral and multilateral commitments to improve working conditions. It also stresses the need for up-to-date, reliable information on social and environmental issues through comprehensive databases, a severity scale to better gauge labor exploitation, and a commitment to transparency in reporting.
The research identifies sixteen countries where fishing and aquaculture products are linked to child labor, as listed by the United States Department of Labor. The nations include Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, El Salvador, Ghana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, and Yemen. These findings emphasize the urgency of robust governance, improved traceability, and accountable supply chains across the global seafood sector. The MAC’s work continues to guide policy discussions and practical actions within the European Union and among international partners to reduce child labor and safeguard workers throughout the industry.