About the Partnership

The Partnership for Decent Work in Fisheries is a global initiative implemented by the ILO’s Sectoral Policies Department (SECTOR), Transport and Maritime Sectors Unit (MARITRANS).

The initiative aims to:

• Promote ratification of Convention No. 188;
• Support member States in strengthening national implementation frameworks;
• Foster tripartite dialogue in the fisheries sector;
• Enhance awareness of fishers’ rights and working conditions;
• Contribute to fair competition and responsible governance in global fisheries.

Why it matters

Protecting fishers’ rights

Fishers often operate in remote and isolated environments, with limited oversight and access to support mechanisms. Convention No. 188 provides minimum standards on occupational safety and health, written work agreements, rest periods, medical care, and social security protection.

Supporting fair competition

Inadequate labour standards can contribute to unfair competitive advantages and undermine responsible operators. Strengthening implementation of Convention No. 188 supports equitable and sustainable fisheries governance.

Advancing inclusive and sustainable ocean economies

As global efforts intensify to promote a sustainable “blue economy,” ensuring that decent work is embedded in fisheries policy frameworks is essential. The Partnership contributes to policy coherence between labour standards and ocean governance.

Partners

The Partnership for Decent Work in Fisheries is supported through pooled funding arrangements with contributions from:

• The European Commission
• The Government of France
• The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• The Kingdom of the Netherlands

The initiative is implemented by the International Labour Organization.