The hidden forces keeping reef fishers below living wage

New Real Living Wage will see workers paid £13.45 an hour

Almost half a million workers paid the Real Living Wage are set to receive an increase of more than 6 after new rates were announced today.

The hidden forces keeping reef fishers below living wage

A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) published in Coral Reefs reveals why many coral reef fishers remain in poverty, even as fish stocks decline and some fishers leave the profession. The research shows that ecological differences, economic pressures, and market incentives keep fishing efforts high enough to suppress reef recovery—and trap remaining fishers below living wage thresholds.