Films
Out of Sight, Out of Control: The global boom in destructive squid fishing
EJF’s latest investigation into unregulated squid fishing on the high seas has uncovered illegal fishing and human rights abuses on a shocking scale. Every year, hundreds of industrial fishing vessels disappear into some of the most remote and unregulated waters on earth, where they fish for squid beyond the reach of any law, any observer, and any accountability. Over the last 5 years, EJF investigators have gathered testimony and footage from over 400 crew members who have worked on board distant water squid vessels. What they have documented is a system built on environmental destruction and forced labour. Rampant overfishing, the killing of protected species, and widespread human rights violations are endemic across the global squid industry.
4th June, 2026Out of Sight, Out of Control: The global boom in destructive squid fishing
EJF’s latest investigation into unregulated squid fishing on the high seas has uncovered illegal fishing and human rights abuses on a shocking scale.
Every year, hundreds of industrial fishing vessels disappear into some of the most remote and unregulated waters on earth, where they fish for squid beyond the reach of any law, any observer, and any accountability.
Over the last 5 years, EJF investigators have gathered testimony and footage from over 400 crew members who have worked on board distant water squid vessels. What they have documented is a system built on environmental destruction and forced labour. Rampant overfishing, the killing of protected species, and widespread human rights violations are endemic across the global squid industry.
Unregulated: The South Atlantic Squid Fishing Boom
Hundreds of distant-water vessels are plundering squid populations in the Southwest Atlantic, driving a keystone species towards collapse and exposing workers to horrific abuses, according to a new investigation and film from the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF).
17th September, 2025Unregulated: The South Atlantic Squid Fishing Boom
Hundreds of distant-water vessels are plundering squid populations in the Southwest Atlantic, driving a keystone species towards collapse and exposing workers to horrific abuses, according to a new investigation and film from the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF).
Walls of Death: Illegal Driftnetting in the Mediterranean
Among the most destructive fishing methods ever used, driftnets have been banned in the Mediterranean for decades - but EJF's latest investigation reveals they never really went away.
Discarded: Hidden Overfishing in the EU
In European waters, fish are caught and dumped at sea to make room for more valuable catch. This practice, known as highgrading, is illegal, but unfortunately most cases go unreported.
This extremely wasteful and unsustainable practice puts pressure on struggling ecosystems and harms honest fishers’ livelihoods. Transparency is the key to protecting these ecosystems and ending this widespread illegal practice.
The High Seas: A Global Deal to Protect Our Oceans
The UN High Seas Treaty has entered into force, and we celebrate this exciting moment for ocean protection. It is evidence that a rules-based order can still deliver in the face of escalating environmental breakdown.
Before You Board: The Hidden Risks of Distant Water Fishing
Every year, thousands of Indonesians work as fishers on foreign boats, promised high wages for work abroad. However, the reality of life at sea can be very different from what is promised. Once onboard, fishers are routinely overworked, abused, and exploited.
Are you thinking of taking a job on a distant water fishing vessel? Watch out for these warning signs:
🚩 The recruitment agency doesn't have a valid licence or has a bad reputation. A company's SIUKAK/SIUPPAK permit can be found on the official Ministry of Transportation website, while its SIP3MI permit can be checked on the Ministry of KP2MI website.
🚩 The recruitment agency offers loans
Loans through banks or cash advances from companies are often used to pressure crew into accepting low salaries or prevent them from terminating their employment contracts.
🚩 Lack of transparency about salary
The recruitment agency receives crew's salary in advance before transferring it to their personal account. This creates an opportunity for companies to illegally "take a share" of crew's salary.
🚩 Retention of identity documents
Confiscation of passports, ID cards, family cards, and other personal documents controls migrant workers' movements while working.
🚩 Offered work on Chinese-flagged ships
Several human rights organisations have documented various human rights violations and allegations of forced labor against Indonesian migrant workers on Chinese-flagged ships.
(The footage used is illustrative and does not necessarily show the boats discussed by the fishers.)
The Forests of Life: How Mangroves Sustain Ghana's Fisheries, Coastline, and Climate – an EJF film
Mangroves sustain communities, shield coasts, and store vast amounts of carbon. In Ghana they are vanishing fast – but their protection is within reach through safeguarding, restoration, and community leadership.
In partnership with Hen Mpoano, watch our short documentary, which reveals how local action and stronger policy can revive these vital ecosystems.
Together we are strong: Liberia's fishmongers building fairer fisheries
Communities for Fisheries: The lasting impact – an EJF film
Net loss: the urgent need for reform in Cameroon's fisheries
This film lays bare the impacts of illegal fishing on Cameroonian coastal communities, highlighting widespread lawbreaking, human rights abuses, and the urgent need for fisheries transparency.