1. Taiwan Upholds Foreign Crew Human Rights and Advances Reforms with Global Cooperation

In response to the July 12 evening report by CNN titled “Taiwan's distant-water fisheries migrant workers report abuse, injury, and death,” the Fisheries Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture hereby clarifies the matter and reiterates Taiwan’s firm commitment and institutional efforts to protect the human rights of foreign crew members working on distant-water fishing vessels.

As a nation that values freedom, democracy, and human rights, Taiwan shares common principles with most countries worldwide and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of labor exploitation. The distant-water fishing environment is harsh and management is complex; the government continuously strives to improve the working conditions and welfare of foreign crew members. In 2022, Taiwan enacted the “Fisheries and Human Rights Action Plan,” becoming one of the few countries in Asia to advance cross-ministerial reforms protecting the rights of foreign distant-water fishermen.

Regarding the individual cases mentioned in the report, the Fisheries Agency expresses concern and provides the following clarifications:

• Silwanus Finger Injury Case

The crew member was injured while the fishing vessel was in the Pacific Ocean. The captain immediately administered first aid by dressing the wound and provided anti-inflammatory and pain medication, allowing the crew member to rest. Following maritime medical emergency protocols, the incident was reported to the Fisheries Agency. Onshore medical evaluation found no immediate life-threatening condition. The captain continued care based on medical advice, and the vessel owner arranged for an assisting vessel to escort the injured crew member back to a Taiwanese port. Upon arrival, the crew member was promptly taken to hospital for further examination. Unfortunately, the insurance company determined the injury did not meet the disability criteria for compensation. Regarding whether the crew member was improperly dismissed after returning to port, the Fisheries Agency will further investigate to assist the crew member in securing fair rights.

• Adrian Crew Member Death Case

The deceased crew member worked aboard the Vanuatu-flagged fishing vessel “LONG BOW NO.7,” operated by Taiwanese investors. With the support of Stella Maris Church and through the “Happy Fisherman” platform for foreign crew interaction, the crew member lodged complaints about wage deductions and mishandling of a fellow crew member’s death. Upon receiving the complaint, the Fisheries Agency immediately notified the flag state and investors. Investigation confirmed that wages were paid as agreed. According to maritime reports, the captain comforted the crew and promptly notified the flag state and family members when the death occurred. Insurance claims and repatriation of the remains were handled by intermediaries and agents in Fiji. The local medical unit in Fiji confirmed the cause of death as acute pulmonary edema. The body was then repatriated to Indonesia and received by family, with assistance from intermediaries in processing death benefits.

• You Fu Vessel Wage Arrears Case

During interviews on July 22, 2024, the Fisheries Agency discovered wage arrears affecting foreign crew members and immediately intervened to mediate with the operator, intermediary, and association to expedite payment. Criminal aspects related to mistreatment have been referred to judicial authorities. The crew members received their owed wages on August 8, 2024.

The Fisheries Agency emphasizes that any cases of crew injury, illness, or death at sea must be reported through the established notification system. Death cases are treated with utmost seriousness and are reported to the Coast Guard and prosecutorial authorities for investigation to ensure no wrongful causes or handling occurred.

Taiwan currently has approximately 940 distant-water fishing vessels, the vast majority of which are legally operated by owners and captains who respect crew rights and maritime safety. Since the U.S. Department of Labor highlighted forced labor risks in global fisheries in 2020, Taiwan has actively invested resources and collaborated with industry, NGOs, and international partners to implement numerous concrete reforms, continuing to advance the “Fisheries and Human Rights Action Plan” to safeguard foreign crew members’ rights.

The government recognizes the international community’s concern for labor rights and welcomes international media, organizations, and independent bodies to conduct on-site visits to objectively understand Taiwan’s genuine efforts and progress in improving human rights in fisheries.

2. Fisheries Agency Engages with Tainan and Chiayi Fishermen to Improve Typhoon Relief Measures

In response to damage from Typhoon Danas, Fisheries Agency Director-General Wang Mao-cheng and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Huang Chao-chin visited Tainan and Chiayi on July 14 to assess losses and review relief policies. They held a consultation with local fishermen’s associations and visited aquaculture sites in Beimen and Syuejia to hear fishermen’s concerns firsthand. Power outages during the typhoon severely affected aquaculture operations. Fishermen suggested the government consider underground power lines or provide subsidies for high-capacity generators to improve disaster response. Some, like award-winning aquaculturist Huang Kuo-chi, were well-prepared. With government support, Huang installed a 200-kWh energy storage system with fire safety and cooling systems, maintaining stable operations during the outage.Director-General Wang noted that as extreme weather events become more common, boosting industry resilience is crucial. The agency will consider expanding energy storage support to strengthen Taiwan’s aquaculture sector.