Seaspiracy: the Dangers of a Polarized Representation of Ocean Problems

So you just watched Seaspiracy on Netflix and had a strong emotional reaction? Me too! There is currently a healthy discussion challenging some of the movie's contents and facts. Here are some ideas for next steps and new perspectives to educate yourself on ocean conservation and sustainability.

By Aliza Sitrin, on April 15, 2021

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The new Netflix documentary “Seaspiracy,” narrated and directed by Ali Tabrizi, made waves after its late-March release. The documentary quickly swirled its way into pop culture, as it shined light on critical marine issues that many viewers never knew or considered.

The documentary’s dramatized nature, combined with the sensationalism of its images (the film did not shy away from gruesome shots of sick, dying, and dead wildlife, as well as bloody massacres of our beloved sea creatures), is likely a driving force behind the movie’s commercial success. The documentary maximizes its shock-factor to make otherwise “boring” marine issues “sexy” to viewers. 

Seaspiracy successfully brings mass scrutiny to some of the oceans’ greatest problems, including bycatch, overfishing, illegal fishing, plastic pollution in the ocean, and destruction of marine ecosystems. Catapulting these issues into the public eye is crucial, yet the film is criticized by numerous scientists, activists, and leaders in the field for using inaccurate facts and painting a black and white perspective of the oceans’ problems. The film potentially harms the work of valuable ocean conservation and sustainability efforts by fostering a sense of doom and mistrust. 

One can easily understand how highlighting the promising work of individuals, organizations, businesses, and regulatory institutions is less exciting than Mr. Tabrizi’s clandestine interviews, dangerous filming expeditions, and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s vigilante missions against illegal fishing. However, rather than focusing primarily on what’s broken, how about offering realistic solutions that can mitigate damage to our oceans? The movie could have spent more time on these viable solutions instead of proposing the end of seafood consumption as the silver bullet to complex ocean problems.

While eliminating or reducing seafood intake is certainly one wise solution to marine rejuvenation, it is not the only solution. Neither is it the most realistic or economically-sound solution for parts of the world that rely heavily on local seafood for daily dietary protein and financial sustenance. We must develop, increase, and enforce conservation-based solutions and regulatory methods for sustainable seafood consumption. 

Let’s move in a positive direction and talk about solutions like legitimate protected ocean marine parks, sanctuaries, and no-fishing zones. How about increasing oversight by installing cameras on commercial fishing boats and further cracking down on illegal fishing and bycatch? The fishing industry could benefit dramatically by enforcing human rights protections for workers in the seafood trade. Most importantly, let’s celebrate innovations that revolutionize the way we interact with and respect the oceans. You can read Amy Novogratz’s article on “The solutions “Seaspiracy” missed”, to learn more about innovative developments specifically in aquaculture. 

What can you do as a consumer?

As the movie suggests, you can eliminate or reduce your seafood consumption. If you can’t eliminate seafood from your diet, mindfully consume seafood by researching where it comes from and how it was caught. Try to source your seafood locally. Consider new sources of “mock seafood” made from plant-based protein. Contact your local representatives about issues regarding ocean policies and climate change. Take personal action to eliminate or reduce plastic consumption. Swap single-use plastic water bottles with reusable water bottles. Carbon dioxide emissions contribute to changing sea temperatures and ocean acidification, so reduce your carbon footprint by walking, biking, and utilizing public transportation. Consider donating your time or money to ocean conservation organizations, including Mission Blue, Surfrider Foundation, or 5 Gyres. Participate in local ocean or water clean-ups near you. Vote with your dollars by purchasing products aligned with your personal values. Choose eco-friendly products and shop from companies that treat workers fairly. Lastly, talk with your family and friends about ocean conservation, so that they can make ocean-conscious choices. Widespread awareness of ocean issues is a critical first step! 

Check out WIA’s non-profit, Water Emissaries, to learn about how we empower young people to become water leaders. 

Additional articles and resources:

Stuart Rudick