Netting the global workforce: Unraveling the networks of laborers on distant water fishing fleets

The distant water fishing (DWF) industry plays a critical role in global seafood production and economic development. However, its reliance on foreign labor has raised significant concerns regarding forced labor and worker exploitation. To address these issues, this study aims to explore the global employment networks within the DWF industry, focusing on the complex relationships between hiring and labor-supplying countries. The study identified a highly concentrated distribution of DWF vessel ownership among countries worldwide. Findings also reveal that the top 18 countries, among which are Taiwan, Italy, Spain, France, and China, dominate the hiring of foreign labor, relying on workers from 52 labor-supplying countries, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Madagascar, and Kiribati. Moreover, social network analysis, specifically modularity analysis, uncovered distinct communities within these relationships, with East Asian nations primarily sourcing labor from Southeast and South Asia, while Western European countries predominantly hired from African nations and some European countries. Based on these results, the study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, including stricter labor regulations and ethical recruitment practices in hiring countries; pre-departure training and enhanced protections for workers in labor-supplying nations; and improved international cooperation to bolster transparency and accountability among same communities. By mapping these global employment relationships, this research provides valuable insights to guide policies aimed at safeguarding labor rights in the DWF industry.