case that could lead to an onboard inspection when the vessel returns to port.” Shih pointed out that many fishers only report incidents to their fellow countrymen, migrant worker centers, or NGOs when they are ashore. This means crucial evidence is often lost when law enforcement agencies begin their investigations, making it difficult to reconstruct the crime scene. “Furthermore, with multiple fishers on board, each with their own families, few are willing to risk repercussions by reporting an employer on behalf of another crew member, as it could have negative consequences for themselves.” Shih noted that many witnesses choose not to testify due to safety concerns, resulting in many unresolved cases. 19 However, while the Fisheries Agency encourages all offshore vessels to install Wi-Fi, NGOs point out that fishers might not be given access even when vessels are equipped with Wi-Fi. On July 2, 2024, the advocacy group “Wi-Fi Now for Fishers’ Rights!” visited the NHRC, urging that foreign fishers working at sea should have the right to Wi-Fi access. Valery Alzaga, Deputy Director of GLJ, noted that Taiwan has over 1,100 offshore vessels. In 2023, only 98 vessels provided Wi-Fi for crew members; this number dropped to 73 in 2024. Estimates suggest that around one-third of these vessels are already equipped with Wi-Fi. However, no legislation requires vessel owners to share Wi-Fi access with fishers. “We hope new Wi-Fi usage guidelines will be implemented. The current draft from the Fisheries Agency only mandates Wi-Fi access for crew members on subsidized vessels, which we find inadequate,” said Alzaga. She pointed out that while the Fisheries Agency offers subsidies and has drafted guidelines, many Wi-Fi-enabled vessels still limit usage to captains and officers. This exclusion creates an obvious disparity. Alzaga emphasized that advocacy groups see Wi-Fi as more than a technology; they see it as a means for fishers to realize their labor rights. Fishers at sea cannot join unions or have union representation, so Wi-Fi NHRC (March 15, 2023). “Interview Record with Head of Foreign Affairs Division at the Keelung City Policy Bureau Shih Yin-tai.” 19 24