Our Mother Ocean

This book highlights the ocean's role in the struggle for dignity and life, focusing on the Fisherman’s Movement and its fight against exploitation.

In Our Mother Ocean, the authors present a compelling exploration of the ocean as a vital battleground for dignity and life. The ocean is portrayed not just as a natural resource, but as a central character in the ongoing struggle against exploitation and environmental degradation. Corporate interests, driven by profit, have increasingly encroached upon the ocean's resources, leading to the depletion of fish stocks, the destruction of ecosystems, and the erosion of communities that depend on these waters for their livelihoods.

The narrative traces the evolution of the Fisherman’s Movement, originating in Southern India, and highlights its significant role in resisting the forces of neoliberal globalization since the 1970s. This movement has emerged as a passionate advocate for the ocean, raising critical questions about the intersection of labor, resource management, and environmental sustainability. Despite the growing awareness surrounding food sovereignty and land issues, the struggles faced by fish workers and the broader implications for ocean resources have often been overlooked.

Mariarosa Dalla Costa and Monica Chilese emphasize the multifaceted nature of the ocean, recognizing its contributions to food, medicine, and culture, while also addressing the threats posed by industrial fishing and tourism. Our Mother Ocean serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles that take place in the global South, illustrating the importance of these movements for the future of life on our planet.