Although strictly speaking not transport workers, the exploitative practices experienced on board fishing vessels are closely linked to those of merchant seafarers and the Fisheries Section is therefore becoming an important part of the ITF's activities.

The fisheries sector is in crisis with some 70 per cent of fish stocks being exploited, over exploited, depleted or in the process of being rebuilt as a result of over exploitation. The central policy of the section has been and continues to be related to the sustainable harvesting of living marine resources. The growing globalisation of the sector and the interaction between fish stocks which straddle different economic zones and in some instances, the high seas, increase the relevance of the international dimension.

Structure

The section has a conference, which normally takes place every two years, and a Section Committee that usually meets once a year.  There are also Regional Committees for Europe, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.

International representation

The section is active in those international organisations which deal with specific fields such as fisheries management (the FAO - United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation - and the IWC - International Whaling Commission), the social dimension (ILO -International Labour Organisation) and the safety aspects (IMO - International Maritime Organisation).

Future work programme

Major challenges for the section in the years ahead will be the eradication of flags of convenience in fishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas as well as the organisation of unorganised fishers.