The past fortnight has seen an unprecedented rise in global expertise when it comes to maritime and oceanographic matters. Previously, when average Joes and Janes thought of shipping routes, we vaguely remembered maps and phrases such as “rounding the Cape” from high school textbooks. Sustainable fishing was about green symbols on menus and food labels.
Then the (not so) good ship Ever Given got stuck sideways in the Suez Canal, and the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy was released. Suddenly, everyone became an expert. Bargaining between imperial powers in the 19th century and the triumph of consumer capitalism over national rivalries? Yup — I read about that in an explainer article on container vessels. The decimation of ocean biodiversity and the contribution of the fishing industry to plastic pollution? Oh yeah, I know, I heard someone said something in Seaspiracy. ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.