In today’s global marketplace, ensuring the sustainability and social responsibility of seafood supply chains is a complex challenge. The seafood industry grapples with a lack of transparency, illegal fishing practices, and systemic human and labor rights abuses. Another significant challenge that companies face is obtaining and understanding the intricate web of data necessary to address human rights risks. 

But the challenge is not only about collecting data; it’s about knowing what data to collect, where to collect it from, and how it fits together to paint a more comprehensive picture of risk. 

To provide clarity for those working in this space (e.g., businesses, governments, and NGOs), FishWise released a new report to explore how product-based traceability systems and due diligence activities — and the data they generate — can be leveraged to effectively address human and labor rights issues in seafood supply chains. Our report presents a pragmatic, data-driven framework for tackling these challenges, focusing on the integration of both key data elements (KDEs) and risk indicators to uncover and mitigate labor risks.

• The Power of Data: Our report underscores the importance of KDEs — specific data points like vessel names, time spent at sea, and ownership details — to identify and mitigate risks of forced labor and IUU fishing. When combined with broader risk indicators, this information provides businesses and governments with the tools to uncover hidden abuses in seafood supply chains.
• Beyond Product-Level Data: While data collection is a foundational step, FishWise emphasizes that it’s not the only step; a holistic approach is essential. Combining KDEs with additional due diligence efforts, such as supplier engagement and worker-informed practices ensures a more comprehensive understanding of labor risks.
• Collaborative Responsibility: FishWise also calls for a joint effort between businesses, governments, and NGOs to create meaningful change. Government regulations like the U.S. Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP) play a critical role in detecting and deterring illegal products from entering U.S. commerce, but businesses must also take proactive steps to engage with suppliers and empower workers.

Addressing these complex challenges effectively requires a robust framework that integrates data-driven approaches, supply chain engagement, and well-enforced regulations. Understanding who is collecting data, how information is being collected or verified, and what insights that data can provide are all essential to turning data into action and having meaningful impacts on the water and for the workers themselves.