ILO–FFA agreement aims to improve labor protections, decent work in Pacific fisheries

ILO and FFA sign two-year agreement to help Pacific nations strengthen labor protections and enforce international standards in fisheries

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) creating a new framework to strengthen labor protections and support decent work across the Pacific fishing industry.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will work together to help Pacific countries implement key International Labor Standards for the sector. These include the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), the ILO’s fundamental principles and rights at work, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s Conservation and Management Measure on Crew Labor Standards (CMM 2024-04) and the FFA’s Harmonized Minimum Terms and Conditions for Access by Fishing Vessels.

The MOU centers on improving oversight and aligning labor requirements across the region. It prioritizes capacity building for Pacific Island governments – especially fisheries and labor ministries – as well as workers’ and employers’ organizations. Planned support includes assistance with legal and policy reforms and strengthening national systems that monitor and enforce labor standards in both domestic and foreign fishing operations.

“We are committed to supporting Pacific Island Countries in their critical efforts to ensure decent work throughout the fisheries sector,” said Martin Wandera, director of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries. “This framework with the FFA strengthens technical cooperation focused on international labour standards, skills development and expanding productive employment opportunities for people in the Pacific.”

The agreement also outlines cooperation on economic development initiatives, including support for small and medium enterprise growth, workforce skills training and environmentally sustainable practices that contribute to job creation. It highlights the role of social dialogue and tripartism in coordinating efforts among governments, employers and workers.

Signed by senior leaders from both organizations on November 13, 2025, the two-year MoU establishes a structure for continued collaboration on labor governance in one of the Pacific’s most significant industries.

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