The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted its first global Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health in Aquaculture, providing international guidance aimed at improving worker safety across one of the world's fastest-growing food production sectors.

Aquaculture now produces more aquatic food than wild capture fisheries, employing more than 20 million people in primary production worldwide. As the industry continues to expand, concerns have grown around the wide range of occupational risks faced by workers and the inconsistent safety standards applied across different countries.

Addressing a broad range of workplace hazards

The new code provides practical guidance for governments, employers and industry leaders on managing health and safety risks throughout aquaculture operations.

It covers a wide range of hazards, including:

• Diving operations and vessel safety
• Confined spaces
• Electrical and fire safety
• Hazardous chemicals
• Dangerous machinery and lifting equipment
• Heat stress and extreme weather
• Psychosocial risks and worker wellbeing

The guidance also includes recommendations on occupational health and safety management systems, incident reporting, training, personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness.

Supporting safer working practices

Although the code is not legally binding, it is intended to act as a benchmark for countries and organisations looking to strengthen safety standards, particularly where existing legislation or guidance may be limited or outdated.

It applies across aquaculture operations, including hatcheries and the initial processing of farmed fish, shellfish and seaweed, helping organisations establish more consistent approaches to managing workplace risks.

A milestone for a growing industry

The code follows several years of research and consultation involving governments, employers and worker representatives. It reflects the increasing importance of aquaculture to global food production while recognising the need to better protect the workforce supporting the industry's continued growth.

As aquaculture expands to meet rising demand, the new guidance is expected to provide a valuable framework for improving occupational safety and health, encouraging greater consistency in risk management and helping reduce workplace injuries and illnesses across the sector.

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