Seafood Task Force Strengthens Ties With Taiwanese Government - May '26
Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 22nd May, 2026
The Seafood Task Force (STF) is strengthening ties with the Taiwanese government and local tuna vessel owner associations, following a recent visit to the island, with the aim of deepening collaboration on responsible recruitment, labor rights, as well as supply chain transparency across the distant water tuna fleet.
A series of courtesy meetings was held last April with:
- the Kaohsiung branch of the Taiwan Fisheries Agency (TFA), led by Director Po-Yuan Hsueh and Deputy Director Wen-Hsien Yang;
- leaders of the the Taiwan Tuna Purse Seine Association (TTPSA); and
- leaders of the Taiwan Tuna Association (TTA).
These meetings included a visit to a government supported seafarer welfare center to review on-the -ground support for migrant fishing crew.
Discussions centered on Taiwan's substantial progress under its first-phase Fisheries and Human Rights Action Plan (2022–2025), which reportedly achieved full vessel inspection coverage, recruited 60 additional inspectors, and conducted in-port interviews with migrant fishers across 19 overseas ports.
The STF presented its own program of independent vessel assessments and capacity-building activities with a view to exploring practical next steps on shared priorities. These include zero recruitment fee implementation, enhanced labor inspections, and a potential mechanism to link vessels meeting verified labor standards to recognized market access.
Industry associations expressed strong interest in the concept. This would distinguish compliant vessel owners addressing a recurring frustration where vessels that have addressed non-compliances can still face market penalties due to legacy listings or actions of other operators. STF explained its ethos of working together to help drive industry improvements at scale.
STF also shared its 2025–2026 Indonesia work plan, that is focused on responsible recruitment agent training, a verification mechanism for recruitment agencies and a model pre-departure orientation curriculum. All designed to support the zero-fee goal now required by both Taiwanese regulations and international markets. Attendees discussed opportunities to coordinate future activities, including potential migrant crew training in Kaohsiung and joint workshops on forced labor definitions with partner organizations in Indonesia.
STF CEO, Martin Thurley said:
"Taiwan has moved fast to translate policy commitments into real protection for crew and these engagement activites demonstrate a genuine alignment of intent between government, industry, and the STF.”
This round of important meetings follows vessel owner health and safety training co-hosted with FCF that took place earlier in May.
The STF is committed to continued engagement with the Taiwanese government, including participation in upcoming policy dialogues on recruitment reform across the region.
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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 over 50 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/