[Photo: FILE]Human rights advocates are sounding the alarm over allegations of systemic exploitation in Fiji’s fishing industry, where both local and migrant workers face conditions that experts say amount to forced labour. Human Dignity Group Director Dr Patricia Kailola while speaking at a recent human trafficking discussion revealed concerns of fishing vessel captains routinely confisicating passports and certificates, stripping workers of their freedom of movement and association. Isolation, obviously on a fishing boat they’re isolated.” So obviously they’re caught.” Without stronger monitoring of vessels and recruitment agencies, Fiji’s fishers remain vulnerable to exploitation that undermines both human rights and the nation’s reputation in global trade.