Japan's new law banning IUU seafood is a key step towards establishing a level playing field

The passing of a law by the Japanese government banning imports of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities is an important step towards a level playing field.

While alone this action by Japan may seem marginal and still be years away from full implementation, the impact will not only be to make illegal and over fishing practices more difficult for criminals. It will also be a major incentive to those fishers and operators seeking to operate legally as this helps to level a very uneven playing field that currently exists.

Eliminating all IUU fishing globally is therefore a major target for all those concerned for the welfare and Rights of workers in the seafood industry

There are further steps to be taken, but Japan is a major actor in the global seafood industry and its influence here really will count. As a reminder, IUU fishing is a major driver of worker exploitation and slavery at sea and as these operators already act illegally in their catching practices, they think little of also acting illegally in their employment practices.

Eliminating all IUU fishing globally is therefore a major target for all those concerned for the welfare and Rights of workers in the seafood industry and for helping to shape a more equitable and sustainable industry model for the future.