Looting the Seas 2010
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by TVE
Directed by Bruce Sorrentino
DVD, color, 26 min., in English with audio descriptions and SDH captions
Sr. High - General Adult
Environmental Studies, Conservation, Biology, Science
Date Entered: 04/13/2012
Reviewed by Barbara Butler, University of Oregon Institute of Marine BiologyAtlantic Bluefin tuna are a large fish, growing upwards of six feet in length and are a prized source for sushi. A single fish can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, as illustrated in Looting the Seas, thanks to overharvesting and a black market the tuna fishery is on the verge of collapse.
The film focuses on the rift between the European Union and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and exposes widespread fraud in the tuna industry. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) estimates that one third of the tunas harvested are taken illegally. Interviews conducted by an ICIJ member make up the bulk of the footage. The clips are well edited and weave together a compelling story which will hold viewers’ attention.
This video is one of 16 in the Life on the Edge II collection focusing on the effects of globalization around the world. It won Honorable Mention at the Columbus International Film + Video Festival and I recommended it for high school, public and college libraries.