How does eating fish impact others? (Secondary) - Lesson Four

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 9th,10th Grade

Introduction

Lesson Four – How are we contributing to human rights violations? This lesson uncovers some aspects of the illegal fishing industry which you might not have realized; modern slavery and human trafficking. Learning activities:  Discussion and research on illegal fishing and human rights, mapping the causes and impacts.

Instructions

Time: 45 minutes

Contact: [e-mail]
© Sea Shepherd 2022

Lesson 4 - How are we contributing to human rights violations?

This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd.  Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 and is a marine conservation organisation working to protect the oceans and marine wildlife.  Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the oceans, running numerous direct action campaigns each year. 

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During the lesson we will use these icons to identify the learning actions.

How does consuming fish impact human rights?

Ask students “How do you think eating fish is linked to human rights?”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Illegal fishing vessels.

In the previous lesson we discussed the impacts illegal fishing has on artisanal communities and their access to their food source.  Now think about the people that work on the illegal fishing vessels.
Illegal operations are those that intentionally break the law by entering waters where they are not licensed to fish or take species or quotas outside of those that they are permitted to.
Ask students: “Who do you think owns these illegal fishing vessels?  Where do their crews come from?”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Cheap labour.

Illegal fishing operators want to keep their costs low, to maximise their profits. One way to do this is by hiring cheap labour or tricking people into modern slavery via human trafficking networks.
Discuss with the class what they think modern slavery means.
The fishing crews on illegal vessels are often from poor countries where wages are low – including countries as the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar and African countries.
The crews are promised a wage if they sign up for a period of time, varying from a few months to several years. Once on board the fishing vessel they may receive a low wage or no income at all.
These men want to support their families, hoping to send the money they earn home.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Poor working conditions.

Fishing crews work long days, and their sleeping quarters are often cramped and dirty.
Crews may be subject to harsh treatment from the officers. This includes being beaten if not working hard or not receiving food if the catch for the day is deemed to not be large enough.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Trapped at sea.

Fishing crews will have their passports taken from them, so they can’t leave, especially when they are in port.
Where transhipping is used, crews are trapped and may not be able to leave, as the ship stays at sea for years at a time. During this time, they may have no contact with their families, who have no way of knowing if their loved ones are even still alive.  
Transhipping means the catch is transferred to a reefer/refrigerated ship, that transports the catch to port.  These reefers also provide supplies to the fishing vessel, which enables them to stay at sea indefinitely, sometimes for years.

This video from Sea Shepherd’s Operation Jodari shows the process of inspecting vessels and gives a quick insight into the lives of the crew:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqa7ZszwQNg&list=PLx1pnhQVtbbDkZfN2nz9qqd8bVVLOGkkl&index=3

www.seashepherdglobal.org

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Refer Teachers Guide for Learning Activities.