Dr. Rocío Joo, a senior data scientist at Global Fishing Watch, presented a research talk on using vessel movement analysis and network analysis to identify cases of forced labor and human rights abuses in the fishing sector, addressing labor exploitation through advanced machine learning methods and discussing future work related to port analysis and DEI components.

UBC Institute of Oceans and Fisheries contributed to a research study published on 2022-04-05 that used machine learning and expert surveys to identify regions and ports at risk for labor abuse and illegal fishing. The study offers actionable recommendations for strengthening port enforcement and supply chain transparency, aiming to protect vulnerable workers and promote ethical sourcing in the seafood industry.

A study co-authored by UBC Institute of Oceans and Fisheries, published on 2022-04-05, used machine learning and expert insights to identify high-risk regions and ports for labor abuse and illegal fishing. The findings underscore the need for coordinated policy interventions and improved supply chain transparency to protect workers' rights and combat exploitative practices.

UBC Institute of Oceans and Fisheries released research emphasizing the need for international cooperation in managing transboundary fish stocks. The study highlights challenges such as underestimation of catch, overexploitation, and shifting distribution patterns due to climate change, urging collaborative frameworks across nations to sustainably manage critical fisheries.

Research conducted by the Sea Around Us initiative at UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, reveals that modern slavery and labor abuses serve as hidden subsidies, enabling distant-water fishing fleets to overfish and operate unsustainably. The study highlights the urgent need for stronger national laws to audit both environmental and social sustainability in seafood supply chains.