In Summary

The European fisheries industry is the fourth largest in the world and it provides jobs for over 150000 people in Europe. For many coastal communities fishing is a major source of income.

However, fishing is not an easy job. Fishermen and women often live and work for days on board the vessel, where they use heavy equipment in difficult and uncomfortable conditions. The accident and injury rate in the fisheries sector is up to 15 times higher than in other sectors. Moreover, the workers do not return to their homes on a daily basis, which means that they are dependent on their employer for medical care on board, food, drinking water, and accommodation. That leaves fisheries workers vulnerable to employer abuse or maltreatment.

Sea fishing is a cross-border activity, and within the European Union it is regulated entirely by the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The CFP also regulates the activities of EU vessels in non-EU waters. Unfortunately, the current CFP gives very little attention to the human aspect of fishing and the social consequences of the measures adopted.

ETF is determined to improve working conditions and job quality in the fisheries sector. Central to this goal are our involvement in Social Dialogue and joint activities  with other organisations.