toggle menu
Professionals from 19 countries gather in Huelva to address working conditions in the fishing sector
CIHEAM > AGENDAS > Professionals from 19 countries gather in Huelva to address working conditions in the fishing sector
  • CIHEAM Zaragoza, the FAO and the ISM organise an international course on decent working conditions in the fishing sector.
  • More than 30 representatives from 19 countries will be meeting at the national training centre CNF at Isla Cristina (Huelva) from 19 to 23 May 2025.

Zaragoza, 14 May 2025.- CIHEAM Zaragoza, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Social Marine Institute (ISM) through the National Centre for Maritime Training of Isla Cristina (CNF), organise the international course “Promoting Decent Working Conditions in Fisheries”, together with the collaboration of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (INSST). The course will be held from 19 to 23 May 2025 at Isla Cristina in Huelva, Spain, bringing together over 30 participants from 19 countries: Algeria, Comoros, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uganda, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Fishing is one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Ensuring safety and dignity in the workplace remains one of the greatest challenges in this sector, particularly where human and labour rights violations persist. Lack of social protection, precarious working conditions, gender discrimination, child labour, forced labour, and the vulnerable situation of migrant workers are just a few of the structural challenges affecting fish value chains, especially in developing countries.

The course will address these challenges through multidisciplinary training, providing participants with knowledge and tools for improving working conditions in the sector, including the following topics:

  • The international framework regulating working conditions in fisheries.
  • Deficits regarding decent work conditions, including informal work, violence, child labour and forced labour.
  • Occupation safety and health on board fishing vessels.
  • The situation of migrant workers.
  • Social protection and participatory governance strategies in the fishing sector.

Over the five days of the course, participants will combine theory with practical sessions, case studies, and technical demonstrations. They will see first-hand the CNF’s training facilities, conduct vessel inspection exercises, and take part in specific sessions on the intersectoral application of work regulations and promotion of social dialogue.

This training event will enable CIHEAM Zaragoza, the FAO and the ISM to reinforce their commitment in the development of institutional and human capacities in line with the Sustainable Development Objectives and the international framework regulating decent work conditions in the fisheries sector.