The Outlaw Ocean Project – Exposing Crimes at Sea

The Outlaw Ocean Project is a nonprofit investigative journalism organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to exposing environmental crimes, human rights abuses and illegal activities across the world's oceans. Founded by investigative journalist Ian Urbina, the organization reports on a vast and often overlooked part of our planet where limited oversight allows serious abuses to go undetected.

Investigating Illegal Fishing

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing threatens marine ecosystems, fish populations and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The Outlaw Ocean Project investigates fishing fleets, seafood supply chains and the environmental consequences of industrial fishing. Its reporting has revealed destructive practices and serious labor abuses aboard vessels operating far from public scrutiny. By tracing seafood from fishing grounds to international markets, the organization helps consumers, businesses and policymakers better understand the hidden costs of the global seafood industry.

Exposing Environmental Crimes

The organization's investigations also examine marine pollution, illegal dumping, offshore exploitation and other activities that damage ocean ecosystems. Its journalists frequently conduct reporting at sea, documenting events directly and gathering evidence in environments that are difficult and sometimes dangerous to access.

Defending Human Rights at Sea

Alongside environmental reporting, the organization investigates forced labor, trafficking, violence and unsafe working conditions aboard commercial vessels. These stories reveal the close relationship between environmental destruction and human exploitation in poorly regulated maritime industries.

Journalism That Drives Change

The Outlaw Ocean Project distributes its investigations internationally through newspapers, documentaries, podcasts, interactive tools and collaborations with artists. Its reporting has appeared in hundreds of media outlets across dozens of countries, reaching audiences far beyond traditional environmental journalism. By making hidden abuses visible, The Outlaw Ocean Project promotes transparency, public accountability and stronger protection for both marine ecosystems and the people whose lives depend on them.

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