International Labour Organization adopts first-ever code of practice for growing aquaculture sector
Geneva – June 10, 2026 – The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted a new Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health in Aquaculture—a major step toward improving working conditions across one of the world’s fastest-growing food production sectors.
Aquaculture directly employs more than 20 million people worldwide, and now provides half of all fish consumed globally. Many workers face serious occupational safety and health risks, from dangerous machinery and chemical exposure to extreme weather and wildlife hazards. At the ILO Meeting of Experts on a Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health in Aquaculture, held from May 4-8, representatives adopted the first-ever code of practice dedicated to improving safety and health in the sector.
This Meeting of Experts brought together representatives of governments, employers and workers from around the world to finalize practical guidance aimed at reducing injuries, illnesses and fatalities in aquaculture operations. The workers’ delegation, coordinated by the IUF Seafood Workers Division, included experts from affiliated unions across all five continents, including Craig Walsh, UFCW Canada’s Eastern Director.
The newly adopted code is expected to become a global reference for policymakers, enterprises, farmers, labour inspectors and union organizers throughout the aquaculture sector.
“The Code of Standards is badly needed around the world to improve health and safety in the ever-growing aquaculture sector,” said Craig Walsh. “It will help empower union members to fight for better standards for the aquaculture industries worldwide. Aquaculture can be an extremely dangerous occupation and hopefully this standard will be adopted in countries across the globe, including Canada.”
“The ILO standards are so important as tools through which unions can share knowledge and lift standards in the industry,” said James Ritchie, Vice-chairperson of the Workers’ Group “In talking to workers generally, it’s very important to be able to let them know that there are international standards that apply to their work. This Code of Practice has been a very good Code of Practice. I think it provides very good provisions to improve and protect health and safety for vulnerable workers in an industry that is inherently dangerous but doesn’t have to be dangerous.”
The agreement comes at a critical moment for global aquaculture, which employs millions of workers worldwide and continues to expand rapidly in response to rising food demand.
Aquaculture workers face serious occupational safety and health risks every single day, from slippery surfaces, dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, chemical exposure, and wildlife hazards.
The new code of practice provides practical guidance to protect aquaculture workers worldwide by promoting prevention, reducing occupational risks and preventing accidents, injuries, diseases, fatalities, and other dangerous occurrences at work.
It is a significant milestone for the aquaculture sector, marking the first comprehensive international framework dedicated specifically to occupational safety and health in aquaculture.
