Chapter Twenty
Sea Slavery: Implementing an Integrated Dissuasion Strategy
Anny Barlow
The change makers [people making social change in the world] are variable, and making sure you know that there are multiple targets
[change makers] that can be accessed, then collectively, you can get that boulder rolling.
— Ian Urbina, September 13, 2022
Abstract
Forced labor, often termed “sea slavery,” lurks beneath the surface of the global fishing industry, inflicting widespread harm on human rights, environmental sustainability, and global food security. This chapter introduces an innovative Integrated Dissuasion Strategy inspired by the teamwork of Marvel’s Avengers, which unites experts across disciplines to tackle the crisis. By using economic, legal, technological, diplomatic, and community-based tools, this strategy aims to disrupt the financial incentives for forced labor, enhance accountability through technology, and empower local communities to take an active role in enforcement. The chapter explores the global impact of forced labor in fishing, its root causes and enabling systems, and proposes a transdisciplinary task force to deliver real change. Through this collaborative and comprehensive approach, the strategy charts a course toward a more just and sustainable maritime future—one that respects human rights and protects the oceans
