Canned Tuna in the United States Tied to Forced Labor

A recent report by Greenpeace Southeast Asia, in partnership with the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union, connects alleged forced-labor practices on Taiwanese distant-water fishing vessels to Bumble Bee canned tuna products available in the United States.

The report examines complaints from 10 Indonesian fishers submitted between 2019 and 2024. Four of the 12 Taiwanese-flagged vessels associated with these complaints have been identified as suppliers of the well-known U.S. tuna brand Bumble Bee. The report indicates that these vessels have supplied Bumble Bee for several years.

A fisher from one of the vessels described working long hours in difficult conditions, even fainting multiple times from exhaustion. According to the report, both Bumble Bee and the vessel companies have not responded to these allegations. 

The report details egregious violations of labor and fishing standards:

• All migrant fishers reported being deceived, particularly about pay, and having their personal identity documents held by recruitment agencies, which left them unable to find other jobs. 
• Over 90% reported abuse of vulnerability and debt bondage.
• Six of the 12 Taiwanese-flagged vessels were associated with illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities, such as transfers at sea and fishing in protected areas.
• Fisher testimonies also highlighted instances of shark finning, which has been banned by most regional fishery-management organizations.

The fishing industry not only harms fish and the environment but often endangers the health and well-being of workers. Numerous reports have exposed the rampant exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking of workers in the United States and abroad—particularly migrant workers. Choosing plant-based foods can help preserve our oceans and protect both people and animals.

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