'Investigating the Ocean' Webinar Series: 'How to Report on Labor and Human Rights'

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This session centers on the human dimension of ocean industries, focusing on labor conditions, forced labor risks, and human rights violations in fisheries and maritime sectors. Journalists will learn how recruitment systems work, how abuse occurs across borders, and how to ethically report on vulnerable workers.

The webinar will also cover sourcing strategies, including how to reach and interview seafarers safely.

Panelist

Federico Acosta Rainis, Pulitzer Center's data editor

Katie McQue, 2024 Ocean Reporting Fellow

Tools and Platforms

ITF Seafarers’ Rights Database: labor rights and complaints

ILO databases (incl. abandonment cases): labor violations

Global Fishing Watch (labor risk layers): risk indicators

Facebook/WhatsApp/Telegram: Google dorking and sourcing communities (with caution)

Satellite + AIS combo: identify vessels linked to abuse cases

NGO reports (e.g., Environmental Justice Foundation, Greenpeace)

What Journalists Will Learn

Understand how labor recruitment pipelines operate across countries

Identify indicators of forced labor and exploitation at sea

Investigate recruitment agencies, contracts, and labor brokers

Learn ethical and safe approaches to interviewing seafarers and fishers

Connect labor abuse to supply chains, companies, and regulatory failures

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