Representatives at the International Labour Organization (ILO) Meeting of Experts have adopted the first-ever code of practice dedicated to improving occupational safety and health in the aquaculture sector, according to a press release by the International Labour Organization. The decision was announced on 11 May 2026 and marks a landmark step for a workforce that directly employs more than 20 million people worldwide. The new instrument aims to address the wide range of hazards faced daily by aquaculture workers. It establishes a global reference for governments, employers, and workers’ organizations seeking to strengthen protection in the sector. The adoption represents the culmination of dedicated tripartite negotiations.
Aquaculture has grown into one of the world’s most significant food-producing industries, but its rapid expansion has also exposed workers to persistent occupational risks. Many of those employed in the sector face dangerous machinery, chemical exposure, extreme weather, and wildlife hazards. Until now, no dedicated international code of practice had directly addressed these challenges. The absence of a tailored framework left wide gaps in worker protection across regions. The new ILO instrument seeks to close those gaps with practical, sector-specific guidance.
The code was adopted at the ILO Meeting of Experts on a Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health in Aquaculture. Representatives from governments, employers, and workers participated in shaping the document. The text reflects shared priorities for reducing risks and improving working conditions throughout the sector. It is intended to serve as a reference tool for policy-makers and industry stakeholders. The agreement underlines the growing recognition of aquaculture as a priority area for labor protection.
ILO ACTRAV specialists Ursula Kulke and Victor H. Ricco have introduced the significance of this milestone in a dedicated video. The presentation also features insights from James Wilson Ritchie, Vice-chairperson of the Workers’ Group, and Ndaizivei Loveletter Kamoto from the Workers Union of Zimbabwe. Together they outline how the code is expected to support workers on the ground. Their contributions highlight the role of workers’ organizations in advancing safety standards. The video frames the adoption as a defining moment for the sector.
The new code of practice provides a foundation for safer working conditions across an industry that sustains millions of livelihoods. It signals a commitment by tripartite constituents to protect aquaculture workers from longstanding hazards. By offering structured guidance, the instrument supports coordinated action at national and workplace levels. Its adoption reinforces the ILO’s mandate to promote decent work in every sector. The milestone closes a critical gap in international occupational safety and health standards.
