In the lawless expanse of the oceans, there are few witnesses. A courageous report, more thrilling than any thriller.

The oceans are the wildest, most dangerous areas of our planet, inhospitable and uncontrollable. Journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Ian Urbina has tracked down pirates, mercenaries, poachers, smugglers, and slaves during years of research trips, witnessing environmentalists and polluters in action, and has documented his experiences in this book.

He reveals how criminal gangs on the high seas earn billions through illegal fishing, exploit their crews, and repeatedly evade authorities. A gripping account of experiences and an insightful portrait of fearless idealists, ruthless captains, and brutal businessmen.