Natural Justice Podcast

What does “more technology” actually mean for fishers?In this Ocean Intelligence reflection episode, Eva sits down with fisherman Joe Letourneau to unpack the realities behind increasing tech use in fisheries. From upfront costs to unclear returns, they discuss whether digital tools are delivering value in practice.The conversation also dives into a key challenge: how fisheries data sharing is communicated, and why current approaches often miss the mark with those on the frontlines.A practical, honest discussion on technology, incentives, and bridging the gap between policy and practice.

In this episode of Ocean Intelligence, we speak with Paul Woods, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Global Fishing Watch, about how technology is transforming our understanding of what happens at sea.While much attention has been given to vessel tracking transparency in fisheries, this conversation goes further. We explore how satellite data, AIS, and AI are used not only to monitor fishing activity, but also to shed light on other ocean uses, including shipping, offshore energy, and seabed mining.The discussion looks at how these tools contribute to more transparent and accountable ocean governance, while also recognising their limitations. What can we realistically detect? Where do gaps remain? And how should this data be used by governments, industry, and civil society?This episode offers a practical look at how monitoring technologies are shaping decision-making across the ocean space, and what that means for the future of seafood and beyond.

In this episode of Ocean Intelligence, Eva van Heukelom (Natural Justice) speak with Jimmy Freese from AI Fish about how electronic monitoring (EM) and artificial intelligence are changing the way fisheries data is collected and verified. From estimating catch weight and size to identifying bycatch and interactions with endangered species, these technologies offer new tools to strengthen fisheries management.At the same time, we explore the practical limitations of these systems—what they can and cannot reliably deliver, and where human oversight remains essential. This conversation brings a grounded perspective to the role of AI in fisheries, moving beyond hype to consider how these tools can realistically support more accountable and effective management.#AI #fisheries #technology #environment #oceans

Electronic monitoring is transforming how fisheries are managed. Cameras installed on fishing vessels, combined with artificial intelligence, are creating unprecedented opportunities to improve transparency, compliance, and fisheries science.In this episode of Ocean Intelligence, a podcast series by Natural Justice, we speak with Josh Wiersma from Integrated Monitoring about the rapid evolution of electronic monitoring (EM) in the seafood sector.We discuss how onboard camera systems work, how AI can analyse fishing activity at scale, and why electronic monitoring is becoming a critical tool for fisheries management, sustainability, and supply chain accountability.Topics covered include:• What electronic monitoring systems are and how they work• The role of AI in analysing fishing activity and catch data• How cameras onboard vessels can support fisheries compliance• Opportunities and challenges in scaling EM programmes globally• The future of technology-driven fisheries managementAs governments, seafood companies, and researchers look for better ways to monitor fishing activity, electronic monitoring is emerging as one of the most powerful tools available.Ocean Intelligence is a podcast series by Natural Justice exploring technology, policy, and innovation shaping the future of fisheries and aquaculture.Subscribe for more conversations with experts working at the intersection of seafood, technology, and sustainability.#Fisheries #ElectronicMonitoring #AI #SustainableSeafood #OceanIntelligence #FisheriesManagement

In this episode, Eva van Heukelom talks to Samantha Robb, a South African lawyer specialising in deep-sea mining, to dive into one of the most pressing questions for our planet’s future: should we start mining the ocean floor before we understand it?We unpack what deep-sea mining actually is, how it’s governed under international law, and why scientists and lawyers alike are warning against rushing into it. The deep ocean, a world we know less about than the surface of the moon, holds both extraordinary life and the metals needed for our clean-energy transition. But can we pursue one without destroying the other?Join us for a conversation that cuts through the complexity and asks what responsible stewardship of the deep sea should look like before it’s too late.Deep sea mining, ocean conservation, environmental law, seabed minerals, International Seabed Authority, marine ecosystems, law of the sea, sustainability, ocean protection, environment, blue economy, deep ocean exploration.

Who owns the ocean — and the tuna that swim in it? In this episode of Talking to My Fellow Fish Lawyer, Eva and international law of the sea expert Erik van Doorn discuss how the concept of the common heritage of mankind could fit within modern fisheries governance.They explore how the Law of the Sea shapes access to marine resources, why tuna fisheries sit at the crossroads of national sovereignty and global responsibility, and shares some outside the box thinking about tuna fisheries management. If you’re interested in fisheries law, ocean governance, marine conservation, international environmental law, or the law of the sea, this conversation is for you.

Join us for a personal conversation between two women working in the seafood sector as they reflect on their journeys – from early-career challenges to gaining experience and looking ahead to the future. This lighthearted chat offers insights into building a career in seafood, navigating opportunities, and finding your path in a global industry shaped by oceans, sustainability, and collaboration. Perfect for students, young professionals, and anyone curious about what it’s really like to work in seafood.Guest represent themselves and not their employers.🌍 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl

🌍 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl📬 Stay in the loop – subscribe to our newsletter: https://natural-justice.kit.com/signupIn this episode of Fish People, we look at the fisheries sector through the eyes of a fisher. From daily challenges to new opportunities offered by responsible fisheries and Electronic Monitoring (EM), this conversation reveals how fishers are navigating change while supporting sustainable practices.Discover the realities of Costa Rican fisheries and the path toward a more responsible seafood sector.

🌍 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl📬 Stay in the loop – subscribe to our newsletter: https://natural-justice.kit.com/signupIn Part II of my conversation with tuna expert Marcelo Hidalgo, we dive into one of the biggest questions in fisheries management: Can one size really fit all in responsible fisheries? From observer programmes and their challenges to the tension between global standards and regional realities, Marcelo shares candid reflections on the sector and its future. If you care about healthy oceans, sustainable seafood, or the people behind global fisheries, this episode is for you.🌊 Listen in for insights on:• The role and vulnerability of fisheries observers• Why global solutions don’t always fit regional needs• Marcelo’s reflections on the seafood sector and what lies ahead🎧 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of oceans, law, and sustainability.#Fisheries #Sustainability #Oceans #Seafood #Observers #ResponsibleFisheries

Dive deep into the world of tuna fisheries with Marcelo Hidalgo, an Ecuadorian tuna expert with over 30 years of experience in global seafood industries. In this insightful interview, Marcelo shares expert knowledge about tuna fishing practices, challenges, and sustainability efforts across the globe—from Ecuador’s rich Pacific waters to Papua New Guinea’s tuna fleets. Whether you’re passionate about ocean conservation, sustainable seafood, or fisheries management, this video offers unique perspectives from one of the most respected voices in the tuna sector.🌊 Learn about tuna species, fishing methods, and the future of tuna fisheries🐟 Explore global tuna supply chains and regional differences🎣 Perfect for seafood professionals, marine conservationists, fishery managers, and ocean enthusiastsSubscribe for more expert insights on oceans, seafood sustainability, and fisheries law.#TunaFisheries #SustainableSeafood #OceanConservation #FishingIndustry #SeafoodExpert #TunaFishing #MarineConservation #EcuadorTuna #PapuaNewGuineaFishing #GlobalSeafood #FisheryManagement #OceanLovers #SeafoodIndustry #FisheriesScience #TunaSustainability

Why do we ask people to risk their lives for ocean protection, and then fail to protect them in return? In this episode of Fish People, Eva van Heukelom speaks with Henrique Ramos—a former fisheries observer who now runs a consultancy deploying observers to Portuguese-flagged vessels 🇵🇹. Together, they reflect on the vital role of observers in exposing illegal fishing and safeguarding our ocean resources, and the dire consequences of protections falling short. 🎣 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, events & more stories from the world of seafood production & oceans governance: https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61🌐 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl🎧 Listen to more episodes and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Fish People, we dive into the practical challenges of achieving transparency in global fisheries, whether it's about data, vessel ownership, or subsidies.Together with Daniel Skerritt, we unpack what meaningful data sharing looks like in practice, and why the word “transparency” can sometimes cloud more than it clarifies. We explore the growing role of civil society in uncovering illicit ownership structures, the limits of waiting for government action, and the complexities of regulating subsidies that harm fish stocks and coastal communities alike.🎣 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, events & more stories from the world of seafood production & oceans governance: https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61🌐 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl🎧 Listen to more episodes and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

What’s it like to be the one checking whether a vessel is really playing by the rules? In this episode of Fish People, Eva van Heukelom sits down with Donald Wellington of the Kenyan Fisheries Service. From tense port inspections to long days at sea, Donald shares what it takes to enforce fisheries law on the front lines. We talk risk, pride, and the drive to protect coastal communities and marine resources, one inspection at a time.🎣 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, events & more stories from the world of seafood production & oceans governance: https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61](https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61🌐 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl🎧 Listen to more episodes and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

In this second part of our episode with David Dietz, we talk about what it’s like to work within government fisheries management, where things can move slowly, and where priorities don’t always align with what feels most urgent on the ground.Further we talk about why we are very unlikely to ever leave this sector. Not because it’s easy, but because we believe it matters.🎣 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, events & more stories from the world of seafood production & oceans governance: [https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61]🌐 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl🎧 Listen to more episodes and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Fish People, David Dietz from the Responsible Fishing Vessel Scheme joins Eva van Heukelom to talk about the complex role of social audits in fisheries.There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for social compliance in this sector. Many stakeholders disagree on whether social audits should play any role at all. But the reality is: they do. That’s why it’s important to listen to those working directly with these tools, people like David, who not only explain how audits are used, but are often the first to point out their flaws.This is part I of a two-part episode. 🎣 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, events & more stories from the world of seafood production & oceans governance: [https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61]🌐 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl🎧 Listen to more episodes and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Fish People, Eva van Heukelom speaks with Widad Natify about Morocco’s national fisheries monitoring system. From real-time surveillance to inter-agency cooperation, Widad offers a rare look into how Morocco tracks and enforces fisheries activity along its extensive coastline. What does it take to monitor compliance across hundreds of vessels and remote areas — and how has the system evolved?🎣 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, events & more stories from the world of seafood production & oceans governance: [https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61]🌐 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl🎧 Listen to more episodes and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Fish People, lawyer Pieter van Welzen joins us to discuss state responsibility in the context of hidden vessel ownership. When vessels operate under flags of convenience and true ownership remains obscured, who is accountable for illegal fishing, or environmental harm? We explore legal principles, state duties under international law, and practical solutions to improved ownership transparency. 🎣 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, events & more stories from the world of seafood production & oceans governance: https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61🌐 Learn more about our work: www.naturaljustice.nl🎧 Listen to more episodes and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

Why do we stay in a sector that continues to get a bad rep? In this episode of Fish People, we talk about our deep love for the fisheries sector - what drew us in and why we are never leaving. From Alaska’s icy docks to policy rooms and advocacy battles, we share unfiltered stories, lessons learned, and the purpose that keeps us going.🎣 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, events & more stories from the seafood world: [https://natural-justice.kit.com/fabd00da61]🌐 Learn more about our work: https://naturaljustice.nl🎧 Listen to more Fish People episodes and follow wherever you get your podcasts.