Ending Slavery in our Seafood during Lent 

Each year during the Lenten season, given the increased focus on fish and seafood instead of meat on Fridays, US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking lifts up the connection between seafood or seafarers and human trafficking, and encourages our supporters to take action to help prevent trafficking in the seafood supply chain. How much do you really know about where the seafood on your table or at your church came from and those who risked their lives to get it from the sea to the stores? Many fisherman and other laborers involved in the seafood supply chain are victims of labor trafficking and face violence and exploitation daily. Stronger laws are needed to prevent human trafficking in fishing and seafood and protect human rights. 

That is why during this Lenten season we are asking you to take action and urge your Representative to co-sponsor HR 3075 Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention Act.  The bill addresses seafood slavery and combats illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing, and other purposes. Illegal fishing has been described as one of the most severe problems affecting world fisheries, threatening ecosystems, economic security, and natural resources. By violating international fishing regulations, the illegal fishing activities disadvantage fishermen and seafood producers who abide by the law. Labor trafficking and exploitation of fishermen is also rampant in these illegal fishing activities. 

Ask your Representative to Co-Sponsor

H.R. 3075 Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention Act bill. 

 
 
 

Forced Labor Trafficking in the Seafood Industry

Check out Our Recorded Webinar

 

Freedom for Fisherman  

USCSAHT was honored to have award winning, AP Journalist, Martha Mendoza present at our webinar in February on the work she did for 'Freedom for Fisherman". Human trafficking is in almost every corner of the world, and more than 2,000 formerly enslaved people are free today because The Associated Press put a spotlight on their misery. These men were captives of Thailand’s seafood industry, in some cases for decades, whipped with stingray tails if they asked for rest, risking murder by captains if they failed to please. AP reporter Martha Mendoza will take you behind the scenes on her team’s reporting process. Hear about an investigation that resulted in a dozen people jailed, new legislation, and consumers worldwide forced to confront the cruelties of slavery in the 21st century.

 
As mentioned during the webinar, here are some of the most important things consumers can do to make a positive change against human trafficking and the fishing industry: 
  • When at restaurants, ask the server/manager where the seafood they use comes from. This tells them customers really do care about this. 
  • Check labels to see where the tuna you buy, shrimp and even cat food comes from.
  • At the grocery store, only purchase locally sourced, wild caught seafood. 
  • Read the Freedom for Fisherman full investigative report:  https://www.ap.org/explore/seafood-from-slaves/
  • Check our the USCSAHT Educational Module on Human Trafficking and Labor. 
  • Educate yourself further on the realities of what our seafood "costs". Check out Ghost Fleet movie: 

  • Ghost Fleet follows a small group of activists who risk their lives on remote Indonesian islands to find justice and freedom for the enslaved fishermen who feed the world's insatiable appetite for seafood. Bangkok-based Patima Tungpuchayakul, a Thai abolitionist, has committed her life to helping these "lost" men return home. Facing illness, death threats, corruption, and complacency, Patima's fearless determination for justice inspires her nation and the world.

 
 
 

Thank Your for Supporting the Work to End Human Trafficking!

U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking is a 501-c-3 not-for-profit organization.

We welcome your tax-deductible contribution.

I PUT THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE 
IN MY CELL PHONE, WILL YOU?

 

US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking
2039 N Geyer Road  | Saint Louis, Missouri 63131
267-332-7768 | jennifer@sistersagainsttrafficking.org

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