The Dark Side of Global Seafood

It’s almost two years old, but still incredibly relevant!

Ian Urbina's investigation reveals the extensive human rights abuses and environmental degradation associated with China's vast distant-water fishing fleet, which may comprise up to 6,500 vessels. These ships often engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, contributing significantly to the depletion of global fish stocks. Workers like Daniel Aritonang, an Indonesian deckhand, are subjected to exploitative conditions, including forced labor, inadequate food, and lack of medical care, sometimes leading to death.

The article also highlights the environmental impact of practices such as bottom trawling, which releases nearly 1.5 billion tons of CO₂ annually—comparable to the aviation industry's emissions. Additionally, China's fishing activities in regions like West Africa and North Korea undermine local economies and violate international sanctions.

Despite international labor and ethical laws, seafood caught under these conditions often enters global markets, including the U.S., due to insufficient supply chain transparency.

The New Yorker