The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a new cooperation framework aimed at ensuring decent work and stronger labour standards for workers across the Pacific fishing industry.
A central focus of the MOU is the promotion and implementation of International Labour Standards relevant to the fishing industry. This includes the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), the fundamental principles and rights at work, the newly adopted Conservation and Management Measure on Crew Labour Standards (CMM 2024-04) of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), and the FFA Harmonized Minimum Terms and Conditions for Access by Fishing Vessels.
The cooperation aims to improve working conditions for fishers, ensure fair treatment, and strengthen oversight mechanisms across the region.
The MOU prioritizes capacity building and technical assistance for Pacific Island governments, particularly ministries responsible for fisheries and labour, as well as for workers' and employers' organizations. Efforts will include support for legal reforms, policy development, and strengthening national systems to enforce labour standards. This will enable Pacific countries to better protect workers and ensure compliance across domestic and foreign fishing operations.
Martin Wandera, Director ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries said "we are committed to supporting Pacific Island Countries in their critical efforts to ensure decent work throughout the fisheries sector. 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."
Additionally, the collaboration will support economic development and diversification within the fisheries sector by promoting small and medium enterprise growth, enhancing skills development, and advancing environmentally sustainable practices that generate decent employment opportunities. The agreement reaffirms the role of social dialogue and tripartism engaging governments, employers, and workers in promoting labour rights and sustainable development. Signed by senior leadership from both organizations on the 13th of November 2025, the MOU will be in effect for two years and marks a significant step toward improving labour governance in one of the region's most important economic sectors.
The MOU was signed by Kaori Nakamura-Osaka, Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific for the ILO, and Noan Pakop, Director General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. The agreement is effective for a period of two years from the date of the final signature.
