Description:

This book explores how fishers make the sea productive through their labour, using technologies ranging from wooden boats to digital GPS plotters to create familiar places in a seemingly hostile environment. It shows how their lives are affected by capitalist forces in the markets they sell to, forces that shape even the relations between fishers on the same boat. Fishers frequently have to make impossible choices between safe seamanship and staying afloat economically, and the book describes the human impact of the high rate of deaths in the fishing industry.

The book makes a unique contribution to understanding human-environment relations, examining the places fishers create and name at sea, as well as technologies and navigation practices. It combines phenomenology and political economy to offer new approaches for analyses of human-environment relations and technologies. 

Navigating the Complex World of Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea

Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea delves into the intricate and often overlooked connections between environmental sustainability, labor practices, and capitalist structures in the maritime industry. This compelling book offers a thorough examination of how these three critical factors intersect and influence the global seafaring world, revealing the challenges and consequences of maintaining economic growth at the expense of both human and environmental well-being.

The Environmental Impact of the Maritime Industry

The maritime industry plays a pivotal role in global trade and transportation, but it also poses significant environmental challenges. Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea explores the various ways in which the shipping industry contributes to environmental degradation, including pollution, overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. The book critically analyzes how capitalist imperatives drive unsustainable practices at sea, often prioritizing profit over ecological preservation. It also examines the efforts and struggles to implement more sustainable practices within this deeply entrenched industry.

Labor Conditions at Sea: The Human Cost

The book provides an in-depth look at the labor conditions faced by seafarers and maritime workers, highlighting the often harsh and exploitative realities of life at sea. Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea addresses issues such as low wages, long working hours, dangerous working conditions, and the lack of legal protections for maritime laborers. It also discusses the role of globalization in exacerbating these conditions, as well as the power dynamics that leave many workers vulnerable to exploitation. Through this lens, the book sheds light on the human cost of sustaining the maritime economy.

Capitalism and the Maritime Industry

Capitalism has a profound impact on the way the maritime industry operates, influencing everything from labor practices to environmental policies. Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea examines the capitalist forces that drive the exploitation of natural and human resources in the pursuit of profit. The book explores how these forces are manifested in the global shipping industry, where competition, deregulation, and the quest for efficiency often lead to practices that are harmful to both workers and the environment. It also considers the broader implications of these practices for global trade and economic systems.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

To illustrate the complex dynamics at play, Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea includes a series of case studies and real-world examples. These examples highlight specific instances of environmental degradation, labor exploitation, and capitalist practices within the maritime industry, providing concrete evidence of the book’s broader arguments. Through these case studies, readers gain a deeper understanding of how these issues are interconnected and how they affect the lives of those working at sea, as well as the health of our oceans.

Towards Sustainable and Equitable Practices

Despite the challenges outlined, Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea also explores potential pathways towards more sustainable and equitable practices in the maritime industry. The book discusses the roles of international regulations, corporate responsibility, and grassroots activism in driving change. It also considers the potential for more ethical forms of capitalism that prioritize environmental stewardship and workers' rights. By highlighting these possibilities, the book offers hope for a future where the maritime industry can thrive without sacrificing the well-being of people or the planet.

A Vital Resource for Scholars and Practitioners

Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea is an essential resource for scholars, students, policymakers, and practitioners in fields such as environmental studies, labor relations, maritime law, and global trade. The book’s interdisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues at the intersection of environment, labor, and capitalism. Whether you are researching these topics or working to implement change within the industry, this book provides the insights and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of the modern seafaring world.

Why Read Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea?

• Comprehensive Analysis: In-depth exploration of the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, labor practices, and capitalism in the maritime industry.
• Real-World Case Studies: Concrete examples that illustrate the challenges and consequences of current practices at sea.
• Critical Insights: Examination of the capitalist forces driving exploitation in the global shipping industry.
• Pathways for Change: Discussion of potential solutions and reforms to create a more sustainable and equitable maritime industry.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: A valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners across multiple fields.

Conclusion

Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea offers a critical and timely examination of the forces shaping the modern maritime industry. By highlighting the complex interplay between environmental, labor, and capitalist dynamics, this book provides readers with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our oceans and those who work upon them. It is a must-read for anyone concerned with the future of global trade, environmental sustainability, and the rights of maritime workers.

Explore Environment, Labour, and Capitalism at Sea and gain the knowledge needed to contribute to a more just and sustainable maritime industry.