example, coastal fishers are responsible for certain expenses such as housing, meals, and even service fees that they must pay themselves. On the other hand, distant water fishers are protected by regulations prohibiting employers from charging service fees, and the employer fully covers meals. Therefore, the actual wage gap is less significant than the difference between US$550 and US$800 or more. We aim to gradually reduce this gap and improve the overall treatment of fishers.” Lin further mentioned that the Fisheries Agency has conducted preliminary research into how other countries handle such disparities. He noted that in many nations, labor conditions for distant water fishers or those working on vessels in partnership with other countries often depend on agreements with coastal states. “Actually, not all countries operate under a single system; many have dual systems in place. However, the existence of dual systems does not mean they are justified. The Fisheries Agency is committed to continuously addressing and correcting these disparities as part of our reform efforts.”49 (2) Payment methods There are two payment methods for wages: one is cash payment, which can be signed for directly by the fisher, and the other is remittance. However, remittance involves challenges related to cross-border transactions. Vessel owners have reported difficulties with remittance channels and associated costs. Each cross-border remittance must be scrutinized due to Taiwan's anti-money laundering regulations and high transaction fees. Additionally, migrant distant-water fishers employed under overseas contracts do not hold legal residency in Taiwan, making them ineligible for the Regulations Governing Small Amount Remittance Services for Foreign Migrant Workers.50 TTA Division Chief Lin Han-yu NHRC (March 16, 2023). “Interview Record with Fisheries Division Chief Lin Ding-rong.” The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) stated that small remittance services are restricted by regulations and are designed for foreign workers in Taiwan to remit money 49 50 54