DRL Ensuring Resilient Seafood Supply Chains: Countering Forced Labor and any associated Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
This grant aims to combat forced labor and illegal fishing in seafood supply chains in ART partner countries in East Asia, the Pacific (excluding Indonesia and the Philippines), the Western Hemisphere, and key strategic regions.
Funder: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Due Dates: September 3, 2026 (full application due)
Funding Amounts: $1,973,359 total; one award; project period up to 24 months
Summary: Supports projects to counter forced labor and associated illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in seafood supply chains in select regions.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; only one proposal per organization allowed.
Description
This grant opportunity from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and compliance in seafood harvesting and processing sectors by countering forced labor and associated illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The focus is on countries in East Asia and the Pacific (excluding Indonesia and the Philippines) and the Western Hemisphere that have signed Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States, as well as other strategically important or prospective ART partner countries.
The program seeks to leverage global data sources and innovative technologies (such as satellite monitoring, vessel tracking, AI-enabled analysis, and open-source intelligence) to identify, verify, and publicly disseminate information on forced labor and IUU fishing in seafood supply chains. Activities may include monitoring and analyzing fishing operations, documenting labor violations, supporting data-driven advocacy, and engaging stakeholders from civil society, industry, and government to strengthen detection, prevention, and remediation mechanisms.
By increasing transparency and accountability, the program intends to combat unfair competition, support responsible business practices, protect marine resources, and reinforce a level playing field for the U.S. seafood sector.
