Fiji, Dec. 3 -- The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has confirmed there are "documented cases of exploitation of Filipino migrant fishers on Chinese vessels," but no formal complaints have yet been filed with the Commission, Executive Director Dr Rhea Moss-Christian told reporters at WCPFC22 in Manila.

Responding to questions on the status of the Tuna Commission's new crew labour standards adopted last year to address abuse, forced labour and unsafe working conditions - Dr Moss-Christian acknowledged the seriousness of recent reports.

"There have been reports, there are documented cases of exploitation of Filipino migrant fishers on their China vessels. China's fleets," she said.

But she stressed that no cases ...