“The seafood industry in the UK is committed to protecting the welfare of people and communities involved in harvesting and producing the seafood we eat. Forced labour and other forms of human rights abuses have no place in our seafood supply chains.

“The seafood industry takes allegations of this nature seriously. We are working closely with brands and retailers in the UK to understand the issues raised in the Outlaw Ocean investigation and to provide data, analysis, and guidance to support decision making. Seafish also supports the Seafood Ethics Action Alliance and will continue to work with its members on the implications of this investigation.

“UK retailers and seafood businesses have been at the forefront of efforts to improve working standards in global seafood supply chains. The complex nature of our extended supply chains means it is vital that seafood businesses continue to invest in appropriate levels of due diligence to provide assurance that the seafood we eat has been produced free from human rights abuses. As the Outlaw Ocean investigation has shown, this is a challenging task that no single company can address. The investigation also highlights that this is a global issue with over 300 companies and organisations from across the US, Europe and the UK impacted, so it is important that the industry continues to work collectively.

“Over the coming weeks we will work with seafood businesses to help build an accurate picture of the issue and to develop thorough and appropriate responses.”