The Outlaw Ocean: Journeys Across the Last Untamed Frontier

Like many books by journalists and reporters, this book really does not cover any new ground, nor does it really go into any great depth. Instead it is a fairly engaging introduction for people who might be new to the world of an ocean that is fairly outside the law, but for people with even a modicum of understanding there is not much new.

Ian Urbina brings his reporter flair for the dramatic turn of phrase along with his observations as he explores the world of the outlaw ocean. He looks at how the high seas have often turned into a place of brutal working conditions, environmental destruction, survival of the fittest, and no holds bar environment. Most often his subjects revolve around environmental issues like fishing by trawlers from Asian countries, Western environmental activists tailing Japanese whaling vessels, and exploring the murder that often takes place, though rarely punished, on boats in the ocean. It is a brutal place, that is often hidden from the more wealthier part of the world. The only issue is that he really breaks no new ground and offers no major revelations.