Event
DocuScience: Activists vs Fish Industry
Activists vs Fish Industry explores the growing conflict between conservation and commerce in the fight to protect the ocean, the source of life and an important resource for humanity. The documentary highlights the devastating effects of industrial fishing, including overfishing, habitat destruction and harmful methods such as trawling and longlining, while focusing on activists' calls for sustainable fishing practices and marine protected areas.
This theme is highly relevant as global fisheries are on the verge of collapse, threatening marine ecosystems, coastal livelihoods, and food security. The film emphasises the urgency of activism to stop the industry's actions, with relentless persistence.
While the documentary effectively shows the destructiveness of industrial fishing and the emotional loss of natural beauty, it also reveals tensions between artisanal and commercial fishermen. The story raises questions about cultural biases, the oversimplification of solutions and the lack of focus to the socio-economic drivers of illegal fishing, and offers a thought-provoking perspective on a complex issue.
About Activists vs Fish Industry
Gibbs Kuguru, shark scientist, National Geographic Explorer and TV presenter, brings his expertise to the discussion around Activists vs Fish Industry. The documentary is meant to be an environmental thriller exploring the dark depths of the fish industry in Southeast Asia. The documentary follows investigative journalist Matt Blomberg and ocean activist Paul Ferber as they risk everything to stop illegal fishing and establish a marine protected area. Alongside their efforts, a new generation of Cambodian environmentalists emerges, driven to create a better future for their people.
With his background in shark science, fisheries management and marine conservation, Gibbs will explore key themes of the documentary, such as the devastating effects of illegal fishing, the tension between conservation and livelihoods and the crucial role of local activism. Gibbs will share his vision of how community-driven projects and environmental management can actually change marine ecosystems, drawing on his background in both science and storytelling.
The documentary's heart and admirable intentions to protect the environment are acknowledges, but also the challenges of creating long-term impacts will be addressed. From his experience in shark fishing and marine conservation, Gibbs will highlight the need for systematic solutions; solutions that take into account socio-economic factors, sustainable livelihoods and stronger policies that go beyond local activism.
Good to know:
Good to know, the documentary and main language of the afternoon is English.
Details
The documentary will be shown in Omnia and admission is free of charge. The program will begin at 17:30, with the room opening at 17:00. After the program, you are welcome to talk while enjoying the DocuDinner.
Register for DocuScience
Dinner in restaurant Novum afterwards?
Exclusively for DocuScience, restaurant Novum, in Omnia, offers a DocuDinner. For €18,50, you will be served a delicious main course and a drink. The DocuDinner starts after DocuScience has ended at 19:00. Reservation is required and can be done through the Forms. Already filled in the Forms, without making a reservation yet? Make a reservation via mail. Please mention DocuScience in the e-mail.
About DocuScience
DocuScience is a program in Omnia, where employees of Wageningen Campus share insights into the inspiring work happening at Campus. We will explore new perspectives through provocative documentaries that encourage conversation. Everyone working at Wageningen Campus is welcome, so bring your colleagues! We also welcome interested parties outside the Campus!