EPC and proponents of FISH standard for crew encouraged by recent Justice Department report to the U.S. Congress

Halifax, N.S.  – February 19, 2021 – To promote the highest level of ethics and social responsibility across the seafood sector, UFCW Canada and the Eastern Provinces Council (EPC) have been part of a consortium to develop the Fairness, Integrity, Safety, and Health (FISH) Standard for Crew.

The FISH Standard for Crew is based on identifying and certifying seafood companies who demonstrate internationally recognized standards for fair and socially responsible labour practices in the seafood sector.

Proponents of the FISH Standard for Crew are encouraged by the U.S. Department of Justice Task Force on Human Trafficking in Fishing in International Waters – Report to Congress that provides 27 recommendations, including: prohibiting the importation of goods that use forced labour, making companies that profit from forced labour criminally liable and encouraging corporate due diligence in the sector.

As an audit and management system that identifies and certifies companies who promote social responsibility in the seafood sector, FISH Standard for Crew is well positioned to support the Justice Department’s work so seafood buyers can rest assured their products are free of forced labour.