Counting rules for survey-based indicators on decent work in marine fishing

This publication forms a key component of the Toolkit for Surveys on Decent Work in Marine Fishing, developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to address the global data gap on working conditions in marine fishing. While fishing is among the most hazardous occupations, reliable and comparable statistics on decent work and rights violations, such as forced labour, child labour, and trafficking, remain scarce.

The document provides counting rules for survey-based indicators, offering clear guidance on how to interpret and code responses from household- and vessel-based questionnaires into internationally aligned indicators. These rules cover fundamental principles and rights at work, including freedom of association, occupational safety and health, non-discrimination, and work to be abolished such as forced labour and child labour, as well as other decent work elements including fair recruitment, working time, earnings, and social security.

By standardizing data processing, this resource enables countries to produce robust, harmonized indicators that inform evidence-based policies to improve labour rights and working conditions in marine fishing. It is intended for use by national statistical offices, research institutions, and other stakeholders implementing surveys under the ILO framework.