Washington, D.C. – While Taiwan has emerged as one of East Asia’s most vibrant and open democracies, the island still has a long way to go when it comes to curbing environmental and labor abuses in the Taiwanese fishing fleet, according to a new report from the Center for American Progress.
Taiwan’s fishing fleet has a long history of abusive practices, including overfishing, seafood fraud, and use of forced labor. At a time when Taiwan’s international identity is increasingly linked to its democratic values and commitment to the rule of law, the malfeasance of the Taiwanese fleet detracts from Taipei’s standing as a responsible global citizen, the report says.
Over the past year, President Tsai Ing-wen and her allies in Taiwan’s legislature have instituted much-needed measures to curb these abuses, but it is uncertain whether the political will exists in Taipei to ensure these reforms are carried out.
The report offers recommendations on how the United States can encourage and support Taiwan’s efforts to bring its fishing fleet into compliance with domestic and international law.
Read the report: “Making Reform a Priority for Taiwan’s Fishing Fleet” by Trevor Sutton and Avery Siciliano
For more information or to speak to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at 202-478-6327 or [email protected].