The Outlaw Ocean

by Ian Urbina
The Outlaw Ocean cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Investigative Journalism
Technical
  • ID: 3725
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781524711641
  • Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
  • Published: 2019-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Outlaw Ocean takes readers on a thrilling journey into the least understood frontier of our world—the vast, ungoverned expanses of the open sea. Ian Urbina exposes the shocking truths behind the fishing, shipping, and other industries that operate in these waters, often with little oversight or regulation. From human trafficking and slavery to environmental crimes and piracy, the high seas are a lawless realm where the most disturbing realities of the global economy play out. Urbina's account is not just an adventure story but a stark exposé that challenges our understanding of the world's oceans and the systems that exploit them./n/nThe book delves into the lives of those who make their living on the sea, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the dangers and desperation that define their existence. Urbina's investigative journalism shines a light on the lack of international authority and the challenges of policing such a vast and unpredictable environment. The Outlaw Ocean is a call to action, urging readers to confront the harsh realities of the high seas and the urgent need for reform.

Reviews
Inquisitive Biologist · 2019-11-06
troubling 4.00

The book is described as riveting and deeply troubling, offering an exceptional look at the criminal activities on the high seas. It is praised for its informative content and well-written episodes of real-life illegal fishing.

The reviewer describes 'The Outlaw Ocean' as a riveting and deeply troubling exploration of the criminal activities that take place on the high seas. They appreciate the book's exceptional look at the often hidden world of illegal fishing and other criminal activities. The reviewer finds the book to be informative and well-written, with compelling episodes that bring the realities of life on the ocean into sharp focus. They note that the book is both enlightening and disturbing, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    The Outlaw Ocean takes an unflinching look at the criminal excesses playing out on the high seas.

    Riveting, exceptional, deeply troubling.

    The book is praised for its informative content and well-written episodes of real-life illegal fishing.

The Guardian · 2019-10-02
harrowing 4.50

The book offers a harrowing and eye-opening account of the lawlessness and violence that pervade the high seas. It is a powerful and necessary read that sheds light on often overlooked global issues.

The reviewer finds 'The Outlaw Ocean' to be a harrowing and eye-opening account of the lawlessness and violence that pervade the high seas. They appreciate the book's unflinching look at the criminal excesses and the human cost of these activities. The reviewer highlights how the book brings to light the disturbing realities of what happens in the unregulated spaces of the ocean, making it a powerful and necessary read. They also note that the book is well-researched and compelling, though it can be quite disturbing at times.

Quick quotes

    The Outlaw Ocean is a harrowing and eye-opening account of the lawlessness and violence that pervade the high seas.

    It is a powerful and necessary read that sheds light on often overlooked global issues.

    The book brings to light the disturbing realities of what happens in the unregulated spaces of the ocean.

The New York Times · 2019-08-19
compelling 4.50

The book highlights the void of oversight on the seas, which has allowed corruption, violence, and lawlessness to thrive. It is seen as a gripping adventure story and a stunning exposé.

The reviewer notes that 'The Outlaw Ocean' highlights how the lack of oversight on the seas has allowed corruption, violence, and lawlessness to thrive. They see the book as a gripping adventure story and a stunning exposé that brings these issues fully into view for the first time. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique perspective and its ability to shed light on the disturbing realities of life on the high seas. They find the book to be both informative and engaging, making it a must-read for those interested in global issues and maritime affairs.

Quick quotes

    The journalist Ian Urbina highlights how, in overlooking the seas, we've allowed that void to become a vacuum for corruption, violence and lawlessness.

    Both a gripping adventure story and a stunning exposé, this unique work of reportage brings fully into view for the first time the disturbing realities of life on the high seas.

    The book sheds light on the often overlooked issues of the open ocean, making it a compelling and necessary read.

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