Experts representing governments, employers, and workers have adopted the first-ever global code of practice on occupational safety and health in aquaculture, marking a significant step towards strengthening worker protection in one of the world’s fastest-growing food-production sectors.
The new code, unveiled by the International LabourOrganization (ILO), is intended to assist governments, employers, and workers in creating safer workplaces across aquaculture operations, including farms, vessels, processing facilities, and rural communities. The initiative comes as the sector continues to expand and play a vital role in supporting employment, food security, and livelihoods worldwide.
Aquaculture has experienced rapid growth over recent decades, contributing significantly to poverty reduction, food security, job creation, and business development, particularly in rural communities. However, many workers across the sector continue to face poor working conditions and inadequate occupational safety and health protections in several countries.
To address these challenges, the newly adopted code provides practical guidance for individuals and organisationsresponsible for workplace safety in aquaculture. Based on key ILO conventions and international labour standards, it is expected to support the development and implementation of policies aimed at preventing work-related injuries and illnesses among aquaculture workers.
Speaking on the adoption of the code, Chairperson of the Meeting, Christine Campeau, described the agreement as more than a technical document.
“This code is more than a technical document: it is the result of dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility,” Campeau said.
She noted that discussions leading to the code focused on the real workers whose lives would be affected by the decisions taken, adding that the guidance would ultimately reach workplaces, vessels, farms, processing facilities, and rural communities around the world.
Also speaking, Director of the ILO’s Labour Governance and Sectoral Policies Department, Vera Paquete-Perdigao, said the adoption demonstrated how social dialogue can produce practical outcomes for governments, employers, and workers in a sector that is critical to food security and rural livelihoods.
“We hope it will serve as a practical tool for governments, employers and workers in designing and implementing occupational safety and health policies and measures, andcontribute to promoting decent work across the broader agrifood sector,” she said.
The ILO stated that a safe and healthy working environment remains essential to the long-term growth of aquaculture and to building sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems.
