would allow them to signal concerns about health, safety, or hazardous working conditions. “We request that foreign fishers access free Wi-Fi to uphold their labor rights, maintain mental well-being, contact family members, and, importantly, raise grievances if their labor rights are being infringed upon.”20 One vessel owner, Chen Wen-sheng, aged 53, from the Man Fu Tsai fishing fleet, was among the first to install Wi-Fi. Starting his career at sea at 16, Chen spent over 20 years working with small-scale tuna longline vessels in the western and central Pacific before recently moving to shore to manage operations. His years at sea have given him deep insight into the psychological impact of long-term isolation on fishers. Chen remarked, “I don’t believe installing Wi-Fi will lead crew members to say they want to go home for family matters. That notion seems rather far-fetched.” He recalled an incident when one of his vessels was about to dock. A crew member responsible for cooking learned via the internet that his mother had passed away. Chen immediately offered condolences and a monetary gesture, suggesting the crew member complete unloading the catch before returning home, which he agreed to. Chen believes that with open communication, most crew members will be receptive. If a new crew member genuinely faces family issues or struggles to adjust, he would allow them to return home. Chen believes equipping fishing vessels with Wi-Fi doesn’t create issues, as Wi-Fi itself isn’t the root cause. Even if crew members can’t contact family for months at sea, it doesn’t mean their personal or family challenges will automatically be solved upon reaching port. The key is ensuring their mental and emotional well-being receives adequate support. “When a boat heads out, only the captain and chief engineer have the privilege to make calls, while the crew cannot. Do you think that’s 20 NHRC (July 2, 2024). “Record of Visit by ‘Wi-Fi Now for Fishers Rights!’ Advocacy Group.” 25