Minister for Fisheries, Semi Koroilavesau says their offshore team is continuing to gather more information and look into the matter where the Hangton No. 112, a Fijian flagged fishing vessel has been accused of using forced labour in the vessel’s fishing operations through withholding of wages, debt bondage and retention of identity documents.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Withhold Release Order against the longliner fishing vessel based on information that reasonably indicates the use of forced labour.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection or CBP personnel at all U.S. ports of entry will detain tuna and other seafood harvested by Hangton No. 112.
When questioned, Koroilavesau says there has not been any record of complaints of such from crew that were on board the vessel including observers that covered the vessel on the trip.
He says there may be such complaint lodged with the Ministry of Employment and Department of Immigration which their team is pursuing.
Koroilavesau adds the fishing company has confirmed that they were not contacted to verify or defend the accusations.
However, Koroilavesau says they are concerned with the current situation as it can have further repercussions.
He says they will see what they can do to correct this and ensure that their trading with their partners is not affected by this single incident.
