The neglected millions: the global state of aquaculture workers’ occupational safety, health and well-being

Abstract

A scoping project was funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2017 on the health and safety of aquaculture workers. This project developed a template covering basic types of aquaculture production, health and safety hazards and risks, and related data on injuries and occupational ill health, regulations, social welfare conditions, and labour and industry activity in the sector. Profiles using the template were then produced for key aquaculture regions and nations across the globe where information could be obtained. These revealed both the scale and depth of occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges in terms of data gaps, a lack of or poor risk assessment and management, inadequate monitoring and regulation, and limited information generally about aquaculture OSH. Risks are especially high for offshore/marine aquaculture workers. Good practice as well as barriers to improving aquaculture OSH were noted. The findings from the profiles were brought together in an analysis of current knowledge on injury and work-related ill health, standards and regulation, non-work socioeconomic factors affecting aquaculture OSH, and the role of labour and industry in dealing with aquaculture OSH challenges. Some examples of governmental and labour, industry and non-governmental organisation good practice were identified. Some databases on injury and disease in the sector and research initiatives that solved problems were noted. However, there are many challenges especially in rural and remote areas across Asia but also in the northern hemisphere that need to be addressed. Action now is possible based on the knowledge available, with further research an important but secondary objective.

100 Opportunities for More Inclusive Ocean Research: Cross-Disciplinary Research Questions for Sustainable Ocean Governance and Management

“…Populations living near coastal areas are projected to grow, which will expose increasing numbers to sea level rise and associated coastal risks (Neumann et al, 2015). There is increasing urgency to extend studies of human safety at sea and in the coastal zone, such as marine accident prevention, response, and occupational safety (Lubchenco et al, 2012;Luo and Shin, 2019;Watterson et al, 2020) as well as emergency management of coastal natural hazards (e.g., Jin and Lin, 2011). Key questions include:…”

Major Sustainable Development Goals applied to Aquaculture

“…Decent work (SDG 8) is work adequately remunerated, performed in conditions of freedom, equity and security, capable of guaranteeing a decent life (ILO, 2006). FAO has a decent work program that covers improvements in working conditions for aquaculture (WATTERSON et al, 2019). ILO programs applied to aquaculture include the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor and Forced Labor, Occupational Safety and Health -Global Action for Prevention and the Better Work program, which has a 'decent work' approach linked to worker empowerment, should be applied to aquaculture (WATTERSON et al, 2019).…”

“…FAO has a decent work program that covers improvements in working conditions for aquaculture (WATTERSON et al, 2019). ILO programs applied to aquaculture include the International Program on the Elimination of Child Labor and Forced Labor, Occupational Safety and Health -Global Action for Prevention and the Better Work program, which has a 'decent work' approach linked to worker empowerment, should be applied to aquaculture (WATTERSON et al, 2019). Decent work is among the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).…”

“…Therefore, decent work and decent pay contribute to improving the quality of life and reducing poverty. When the worker has a decent wage, this guarantees dignity, freedom and better conditions for survival and family support (CAVALLI; MARQUES; WATTERSON, 2019). Decent work means a decent life with the guarantees of a safe workplace.…”

Overview of Brazilian aquaculture production

“…Aquaculture is a key sector that can contribute to poverty alleviation, food security and rural livelihoods (Townsley, 2013). However, safety and health issues for aquaculture workers remain unresolved (Cavalli, 2016), both in Brazil and around the world (Watterson, Jeebhay, Neis, Mitchell, & Cavalli, 2019). Brazil needs improved laws and awareness in aquaculture occupational health and safety (Oliveira et al., 2017); strengthened aquaculture workers' unions as well as encouragement to implement international guidelines from FAO and ILO (Cavalli, Marques, & Watterson, 2019).…”