Work in Fishing

Estonia ratifies the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188)

News | 20 May 2016
On 3 May 2016, the Government of Estonia deposited with the International Labour Office (ILO) the instrument of ratification of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188).

Convention No. 188 revised and brought up-to-date in an integrated manner most of the existing ILO fishing instruments. The Convention provides a modern and flexible regulatory framework that covers both large fishing operations and small-scale fishery. Nearly 40 million people work in commercial fishing worldwide and conditions of work in the sector are often extremely difficult as fishing entails long hours of arduous work in a challenging marine environment. Convention No. 188 seeks to ensure that fishers enjoy decent conditions of work on fishing vessels, by establishing minimum requirements for work on board, condition of service, accommodation and food, occupational safety and health protection, medical care and social security.

The ratification by Estonia, a coastal state, of this landmark Convention, represents a crucial step towards its entry into force. Overall, each year the Estonian fishery yields around 63,000 tonnes of fish, allowing the country to export about 192 million euros worth of fishery products. In 2014, the Estonian Baltic Sea fishing fleet consisted of 1,514 registered vessels and, in 2013, total employment in the sector was estimated at 2,046 jobs.

Convention No. 188 has now been ratified by eight members and will enter into force 12 months after the ratifications of ten Members, including eight costal States, have been registered by the Director-General. In November 2010, the Governing Body adopted an Action Plan 2011-16 to achieve widespread ratification and effective implementation of the Convention.