A young seafarer wearing a safety helmet and orange life vest smiles at the camera aboard a fishing vessel in South Africa. Behind him, fellow crew members in similar safety gear prepare for work. The photo was taken as part of the ILO’s 8.7 Accelerator Lab Initiative, which supports decent work and improved labour conditions in the fishing sector.

Voices from Sea and Shore: Reflections from the 8.7 Accelerator Lab for Decent Work in Fishing

Fishing is one of the most dangerous and least protected jobs in the world. In South Africa, that's starting to change thanks to the 8.7 Accelerator Lab Initiative.

9 June 2025

A young seafarer aboard a fishing vessel in South Africa, taking part in the ILO’s 8.7 Accelerator Lab Initiative to promote decent work and safer conditions in the fishing industry. © ILO

This video captures the impact of a powerful collaboration led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Alliance 8.7 initiative, uniting government, employers, and trade unions to address long-standing abuse and exploitation of fishers.

Through first-hand testimonies, we hear how the project is transforming lives: improving labour inspection systems, uncovering cases of human trafficking, and establishing safe spaces like the new Seafarers Centre in Cape Town.

The result: stronger rights, safer conditions, and a more united industry determined to leave no fisher behind.

The 8.7 Accelerator Lab is an initiative of the ILO Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Branch (FUNDAMENTALS). It was created to accelerate progress towards the eradication of forced labour and the elimination of child labour.

A group of seafarers wearing safety helmets and orange life vests work together to prepare fishing nets onboard a large fishing vessel docked in Cape Town, South Africa. Above the deck, the words "SAFETY FIRST" are visible on the ship's structure. © ILO
Seafarers prepare fishing nets onboard a vessel in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the ILO’s 8.7 Accelerator Lab Initiative to promote decent work in the fishing sector.
8.7 Accelerator Lab Initiative
8.7 Accelerator Lab Hero

8.7 Accelerator Lab Initiative

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