Eritara is not the only fisheries observer who has faced abuse at sea; nearly 20 fisheries observers have died or disappeared at sea in the last fifteen years alone. This statistic only includes the publicly reported incidents, while the actual total is remains unknown. This does not include cases of physical violence and other forms of abuse. Fisheries observers help ensure ocean sustainability by preventing illegal and unreported fishing (IUU) aboard commercial vessels, but the nature of this work can incite conflict onboard. Through Eritara’s story, we further aim to encourage state and international bodies to ratify essential policies that protect observers on the highat seas and deliver effective remedies where needed.

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