Investigative Journalism at Sea: Ian Urbina on Exposing Crimes in International Waters

Format:
Podcast
Accreditation:
Approved for 1.5 h Professionalism (ON) | 1.5 h CPD (BC)
Speaker:
Ian Urbina – Investigative Journalist, Director of The Outlaw Ocean Project
Date Published:
December 2024
Duration:
87 min

OVERVIEW

In this compelling episode, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Ian Urbina shares the mission and challenges of The Outlaw Ocean Project—an investigative journalism organization dedicated to uncovering human rights, labor, and environmental abuses on the high seas. Hosted by Gary Kalaci, the conversation spans Urbina’s career trajectory, his unique reporting methods, and the legal blind spots in international waters. Listeners will gain insight into the operational complexities of maritime investigations, including how Urbina’s team embeds on vessels across jurisdictions—from Libya to the Galápagos—and the ethical and legal considerations they face. Ian’s professional background, shaped by academic training and a family legacy in law and justice, informs a methodology of “slow journalism” that prioritizes depth, accountability, and global equity. Learn more about Urbina and his work at theoutlawocean.com.

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Key Takeaways

  • Investigative journalism at sea requires logistical precision: Urbina’s team reports directly in “theatre”—from migrant boats in the Mediterranean to distant-water fishing fleets—making each story a high-risk, long-form narrative effort.
  • Legal enforcement on the high seas is limited and fragmented: The absence of unified maritime law creates space for unchecked abuses, with few international mechanisms for enforcement or transparency.
  • Translation and cultural intelligence are critical tools: Cross-border reporting demands nuanced interpretation, both linguistic and contextual. Urbina emphasizes the role of language professionals in navigating risk and building trust.
  • Narrative journalism can drive global impact: By syndicating stories across developed and developing nations simultaneously, The Outlaw Ocean Project reaches audiences often excluded from mainstream media discourse.
  • Funding and ethical storytelling intersect: Urbina underscores the importance of non-extractive reporting and philanthropic funding models that preserve journalistic independence.

FAQ

What legal challenges exist when investigating crimes in international waters?
Jurisdiction is the primary challenge. International waters lack a centralized authority, making enforcement of labor, environmental, and human rights laws difficult and often politically sensitive.
How does The Outlaw Ocean Project ensure the safety of its field teams?
The team employs rigorous safety protocols including real-time GPS tracking, 24/7 communication support, and strategic risk assessments. However, Urbina acknowledges that fieldwork still carries inherent risks.
Why is this work relevant to legal professionals?
Lawyers play a critical role in advocating for stronger maritime regulation, ensuring compliance in global supply chains, and understanding the legal voids that allow for exploitation at sea. This episode offers direct insight into those issues.

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Compliance Note

This program has been approved for Professionalism CPD credit by the LSO and for CPD credit by the LSBC. Please retain your confirmation email as proof of attendance in the event of an audit.
The Barreau du Québec no longer accredits external CPD providers. Members are responsible for self-declaring hours under the Regulation respecting compulsory continuing education for lawyers. Programs accredited by the LSO or LSBC are typically accepted in Québec, if relevant to legal practice and aligned with Barreau standards. If unsure whether a course qualifies, consult the Barreau’s website or contact them directly.
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