Seafood Task Force Attends Supply Chain Compliance Discussions In Panama - Nov '24
Panama City, November 2024
The Seafood Task Force (STF), a leading trade association driving supply chain transparency in global seafood, went to the 102nd meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in Panama City, where STF representatives engaged with tuna members and key stakeholders from Ecuador and Panama's tuna industry.
The STF is keen for ongoing engagement, particularly after the European Union decided to pass two major pieces of legislation: the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) on July 5th, 2024.
The attending STF delegation was focused on helping regional fishing operators and Association understand and meet evolving international standards in regard to traceability and labour practices, particularly when it comes to understanding new regulatory requirements in major import markets.
A comprehensive presentation, delivered by the STF in both English and Spanish, outlined the trade association’s 15-point Code of Conduct and Auditable Standards framework. This framework addresses fundamental aspects of vessel operations including:
• Child Labour
• Forced Labour
• Employment Contracts
• Freedom of Movement and Personal Freedom
• Retention of Personal Documents
• Recruitment Fees, Humane Treatment
• Workplace Equality, Freedom of Association
• Grievance Procedure
• Wages and Benefits
• Working Hours
• Worker Awareness and Training
• Private Employment Agencies & Recruiters
• Health and Safety.
STF Executive Director, Martin Thurley said:
"Sending STF team members to Panama was particularly timely following the recent EU legislation, which will significantly impact European retailers and their supply chains, as the industry will be required to adhere to stricter EU import requirements.
“STF membership has never been more valuable for companies and our team will continue to help them with transitions and legislation changes such as these, as we help bridge the gap between current practices and emerging international standards."
The new EU regulations will particularly affect Ecuadorian operators supplying European markets, as Ecuador is home to Central America's largest tuna fleet and is a crucial link in the global tuna supply chain. Due to its strategic location enabling cost-effective distribution to US markets while also serving European and Asian buyers the need for enhanced due diligence and reporting on human rights and environmental practices is greater than ever.
The STF's participation at the IATTC venue builds on its expanding work to enhance oversight across global seafood supply chains, helping businesses meet international standards and trade with confidence. The STF is committed to driving industry-wide improvements through collaborative, market-driven approaches, particularly as new regulatory frameworks emerge in key markets.
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For media inquiries, please contact: stf@thephagroup.com
About the Seafood Task Force:
The Seafood Task Force (STF) was established in 2014 to restore global confidence to trade, following concerns about social and environmental abuse in global tuna and shrimp supply chains. It is made up of nearly 40 major retailers, brands, food service companies and their supply chain partners.
The STF drives supply chain oversight at scale, pioneering a pro-competitive approach that makes it easier for its members to meet international standards and growing due diligence requirements.
The STF is a US-based, not-for-profit trade association established for the seafood industry by the seafood industry. Its vision is a future where its members’ seafood supply chains are fully traceable, free from the risk of human rights violations and free from environmental degradation.
For more information: https://seafoodtaskforce.global/