Greenpeace USA Calls for Penalties on Bumble Bee Tuna for Importing Tuna Caught with Forced Labor

The recent call by Greenpeace USA on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) to impose public penalties on entities involved in the importation of tuna from the Da Wang, a fishing vessel sanctioned for forced labor, has sparked a crucial conversation about ethical sourcing in the seafood industry. This unprecedented request, made on International Workers’ Day, highlights the importance of upholding U.S. laws that prohibit goods produced with modern-day slavery from entering the country.

The discovery of Bumble Bee branded tuna containing fish caught by the blacklisted Da Wang at a supermarket in Arlington, Virginia, sheds light on the dark realities of forced labor in the seafood supply chain. Charli Fritzner, Greenpeace USA’s Beyond Seafood Project Lead, emphasized that selling fish caught under forced labor conditions not only violates the law but also contradicts companies’ claims of ethical sourcing.

The history of violations by the Da Wang, including involvement in forced labor practices such as physical violence and debt bondage, underscores the urgent need for accountability in the industry. Despite the vessel being barred from imports in 2020, the presence of its tuna in Bumble Bee products demonstrates a lack of oversight and responsibility on the part of companies profiting from such practices.

Greenpeace USA’s call to the CPB aims to drive systematic change in the seafood supply chain by holding all entities accountable for their role in perpetuating forced labor. By exposing these practices and ensuring that those benefiting are brought to justice, we can work towards a more ethical and sustainable industry.

It is essential for companies to understand that there are consequences to exploiting both human labor and marine resources. The time has come to send a clear message to U.S. seafood companies that products made with forced labor are not welcome in our markets. Through collective action and advocacy, we can create a future where ethical sourcing is the norm, and human rights are upheld at every stage of the supply chain.

Greenpeace USA’s commitment to transforming social, environmental, and economic systems aligns with the broader goal of addressing the climate crisis and advancing racial justice. By supporting organizations like Greenpeace USA and advocating for ethical practices in the seafood industry, we can contribute to a more just and sustainable future for all.