The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has presented the Exploring Current Best Practice for Provision of Wi-Fi to Crew on Fishing Vessels at sea report.
The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has presented the Exploring Current Best Practice for Provision of Wi-Fi to Crew on Fishing Vessels at Sea report with the collaboration of Thai Union, Human Rights at Sea, Integrated Monitoring, and Geeks Without Frontiers (GWF).
This report originates from the research conducted in 2022, which was referred to as 'What is the Expectation of Worker Voice and Grievance Mechanisms on Certified Vessels?' The initiative aimed to assess how connectivity at sea influences the fishing crew.
Lately, the call for Wi-Fi access for crew at sea was amplified by the 'Wi-Fi Now For Fishers' identified crucial so that fishermen could access grievance mechanisms and have their voices heard.
More and more connectivity has been improved as satellite connections have become more mainstream and affordable. It has been proved that fisheries management can be more adaptive and responsive.
In addition, compliance, audits, and other efficiencies can be improved due to the transmission of data and fishers can have more access to grievance procedures, contracts, and payment records.
On the other hand, workers stay in touch more often with friends and family, and consequently, retailers and consumers can rely on the crew's well-being and the correct traceability.
Finally, vessel owners can speed up their operations and improve retention and recruitment, and governments and regulators will focus on compliance monitoring.
Regarding these advantages, Mike Park, CEO of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association said: "Connectivity onboard vessels for all members of the crew, domestic or foreign, is a key component of crew welfare and wellbeing. The ability to contact family members as and when they wish is a significant way to lessen the frustration of being away from loved ones. It also provides the facility to raise a real-time grievance should that be required."
Moreover, GWF CEO David Hartshorn recalled: "It is time to make reliable, connectivity available to support all those at sea on fishing vessels. It is increasingly accessible and affordable. Working together to create efficiencies and operational advantages is the next step."
