As we begin the Lenten season, we enter a time of fasting and abstinence as part of our personal Lenten journey. As Catholics, we are called to abstain from meat on Fridays, and during this period many of us consume more seafood as an alternative. As consumers, however, we must remain mindful of the injustices that can exist within global food systems and make informed, ethical choices about the seafood we purchase.

The principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) intersect with ethical food consumption in several important ways:

  1. Dignity of Work: CST upholds the rights of workers, to ensure dignified working conditions that support and ensure farmers, and laborers receive humane working conditions and wages.
  2. Solidarity: CST prioritizes the interconnectedness of those around the world. As consumers we should be aware of the global impact of our food choices, avoiding companies or products that exploit others, and recognizing the effect on our environment.
  3. Common Good: CST emphasizes that ethical food choices should always contribute to the well-being of all persons. We should advocate for food systems that are transparent, reduce harm, and promote healthy food options free from slave-labor.

Last year, our Labeling for Lent campaign focused on Indian shrimp and included a petition advocating for more just and humane working conditions. This year, we are turning our attention to a new priority: advocating for reliable Wi-Fi access on fishing vessels and throughout other supply-chain industries.

Many fishing vessels operate far from shore for extended periods, often leaving crew members isolated at sea for weeks or even months. In these remote conditions, access to reliable Wi-Fi is not simply a convenience it is an essential safeguard for safety, transparency, and human dignity. When workers lack communication with the outside world, they become more vulnerable to victimization. Isolation limits their ability to stay in contact with family, seek help in emergencies, or report unsafe or abusive conditions.

Providing Wi-Fi access can help empower workers to:

  1. Communicate regularly with loved ones.
  2. Report unsafe or abusive working conditions in real time.
  3. Seek legal, medical, or humanitarian assistance when needed.

Improved connectivity also strengthens accountability and transparency across the seafood supply chain. Companies that source seafood often have limited visibility into daily conditions aboard vessels operating far at sea. Reliable communication makes it easier for inspectors and auditors to verify working conditions, allows workers to document hours and treatment, and enables companies to receive more accurate and direct reports rather than relying solely on contracted supervisors. In today’s global seafood industry, ensuring access to communication technology is a practical and measurable step toward protecting workers, strengthening oversight, and promoting safer, more responsible fishing practices.

We are asking all the faithful to sign this petition, so we can get access of Wi-Fi on shipping vessels to promote dialogue and empower workers to seek help if needed. For more information, and access to our toolkit click here.

During this Lenten season, not only should we be aware of what seafood we consume, but likewise offering our prayers for seafarers as they work at sea:

God of Love, we give thanks for all those who work at sea. We acknowledge our need for the food and raw materials they transport. We recognize that they are sometimes in danger and their long absences often involve sacrifices in their family life. Help us to show our gratitude not only in our words, but also in our actions. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Fr. Thomas Grufferty)