Officers on fishing vessels often subject workers to physical violence, intimidation and fraud. Most of the crew members interviewed by the Environmental Justice Foundation reported being trapped in debt bondage, with substantial recruitment fees and debts forcing them to work for minimal pay. Many recounted shifts exceeding 14 hours, poor food, degrading living conditions, and senior officers confiscating their passports.

As fish-drying process is becoming automated, Indian women are finally reclaiming lost hours for leisure and bonding with their children.

“There is a lot of money out there, and now we just must mobilize it towards the supply chain.”