Fishing:  Introduction to ILO activities in the fishing sector

Improving the working conditions and opportunities of all fishers

There are over 30 million fishers worldwide. Of these, over 15 million are working full time on board fishing vessels. Fishing is one of the most challenging and hazardous occupations. This sector has many characteristics that set it apart from other sectors.

The ILO is working towards ensuring decent work for all fishers.   This site describes the work of the Sectoral Activities programme to improve conditions of fishers and also links to other activities underway in the ILO.

In 2007 the International Labour Conference adopted new instruments specifically for the fishing sector:  the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188) and Work in Fishing Recommendation, 2007 (No. 199).  These new instruments demonstrate the renewed commitment  by the ILO to providing decent work to fishers.

Follow the links on the left for information on work in the fishing sector related to the ILO’s strategic objectives.  The Quick Links on the right provide information on recent activities and publications.