Whole Foods Market has released a new code of conduct around its global seafood supply chain, aimed at strengthening protections for fishers and vessel crews, and setting higher standards for ethical labor practices and supply chain transparency. The Austin, Texas-based company says the move signals its investment in the welfare of workers.

The new policy is guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention, the retailer said in a statement January 28.

It covers maximum working hours and time at sea, aligning work and rest hours with ILO Fishing Convention standards and establishes that all fishing vessels must visit port every 11 months. It also mandates communication access for crew members while at sea, so that workers can contact family, NGOs, and worker representatives. The policy calls for vessels to prioritize installing wi-fi. It also requires onboard safety training, PPE, medical care, and sufficient food and water for all crew members

Whole Foods worked with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch to encourage the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to adopt stronger labor protections. These include the use of electronic monitoring for vessel activity, measures to enhance crew welfare, and science-based targets for tuna stock management.

Abuse of workers on fishing vessels is a major issue. BBC News reported in August 2024 that it had found that 35 men from the Philippines, Ghana, India and Sri Lanka working on fishing vessels off the coast of Scotland were recognized as victims of modern slavery by the U.K. Home Office. The Guardian reports that one out of every five fish is caught through illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in conditions where abuses of workers are common, according to a United Nations estimate.

According to Supermarket News, other grocery retailers have also adopted tougher standards to protect workers on vessels. West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee introduced a seafood supplier code of conduct in 2021 to ensure that its suppliers enforce safe working conditions. The company reported that 100% of its active seafood suppliers have received and signed the new code since its launch.

Grocers have also taken steps to hold vessels accountable for transparency and environmental standards. In 2023, Walmart and Sam's Club announced an updated seafood policy that includes more stringent standards and increased transparency in their tuna supply chains. The updated rules aim to address issues such as accidental catch of non-target species, illegal fishing, and abandonment of fishing gear.

In 2024, Walmart and Albertsons also both signed The Nature Conservancy’s Tuna Transparency Pledge, committing to on-the-water monitoring across all industrial tuna fishing vessels by 2027.