Understanding the human side of seafood
The socio-economic pillar explores the social and ethical dimensions of seafood production. Who catches or farms the fish? Under what conditions? Who benefits, and who bears the risks? From legal frameworks and decent wages to labour safety and Indigenous rights, these indicators help identify whether seafood is being produced fairly, transparently, and with respect for human dignity.
This pillar is crucial because sustainability doesn’t stop at the environment. A seafood product is not truly sustainable if it depends on exploitation, illegal practices, or the violation of rights.
Sub-pillar: Governance
Are the regulatory and institutional frameworks in place to prevent abuse, ensure transparency, and uphold international obligations?
Assesses whether the product is linked to illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing vessels.
Example: A seafood product sourced from blacklisted fleets would fail this indicator.
Evaluates whether the vessel operates under a country known for lax enforcement or “flags of convenience.”
Example: Ships flagged to states with little oversight score poorly.
Uses international indices (like Transparency International) to rate governance risk in the country of origin.
Example: Countries with high levels of corruption weaken supply chain accountability.
Measures whether a country enforces port controls to block illegally caught fish (Port State Measures Agreement).
Example: Products from countries not party to the PSMA pose traceability and legality risks.
Sub-pillar: Labour Practices & Rights
Do workers have fair contracts, safe working conditions, and the freedom to organise?
Evaluates the presence of fair pay, contracts, rest time, and protection from abuse.
Example: A farm where workers earn below minimum wage or lack contracts scores poorly.
Measures whether workers can join or form unions and engage in collective bargaining.
Example: Union-busting practices result in low scores.
Assesses exposure to human trafficking, bonded labour, or modern slavery.
Example: International fleets using trafficked or debt-bound crews would be flagged.
Assesses exposure to human trafficking, bonded labour, or modern slavery.
Example: International fleets using trafficked or debt-bound crews would be flagged.
Sub-pillar: Health & Safety
Is seafood production safe for the people doing the work?
Evaluates whether workers are trained and equipped to minimise injury risk.
Example: Lack of protective gear, emergency plans, or safety drills is a red flag.
Assesses whether medical treatment is available to workers when needed.
Example: Isolated crews with no health insurance or emergency care access score low.
Sub-pillar: Discrimination & Indigenous Peoples
Is there fairness in representation and respect for traditional rights?
Measures whether fishing or farming operations overlap or conflict with Indigenous territories or resource use.
Example: Farms built on ancestral lands without consent are scored negatively.
Evaluates protections for women, minorities, and migrants in the workforce.
Example: Unequal pay or harassment based on gender or ethnicity undermines sustainability.