Interesting modern pirate story involving the illegal harvesting of Patagonian tooth fish. one of the longest and expensive and few attempts at prosecution of a bizarre industry. A classic story about fisheries - the tragedy of the commons. And the Moby Dick format - chase narrative interspersed with chapters on fisheries destruction, markets, biographies of key players - works. ( )

This book reads like an adventure story. Knecht recounts the true story of an Australian Fisheries patrol boat chase of a pirate fishing vessel that had been taking Patagonian toothfish (commercially known as Chilean Sea Bass - how the name change occurred is also part of this story) illegally off Heard Island. The chase went on for weeks through incredibly bad weather and under the most difficult legal conditions. The ship was finally boarded with the help of the South African Navy and then sailed to Australia where the crew was put on trial. I won't spoil the ending for you by revealing the outcome.

Unfortunately, the ultimate message is not optimistic. Short of a worldwide effort to stop illegal fishing in order to prevent the total destruction of a species, I doubt that anything can be done (although the example of porpoise-safe tuna fishing might be one way.) I had difficulty putting this book down.
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Solid, gripping pirate-chasing adventure story interspersed with the story of the Patagonian toothfish (aka Chilean Sea Bass). Well-written, eye-opening and ultimately heartbreaking at the end. Worth a look. ( )

Fantastic book. Best summed up by Knecht himself, "this is, quite simply, a remarkable story and one that involves all of the most important issues that face on of mankind's oldest industries". I should add that it's a remarkable story in the hands of Knecht. Others would not have done the story justice. Much like Proving Ground, Knecht looks for more in the story than what first appears. ( )

The Viarsa is caught in Australian waters, possibly poaching Patagonian toothfish (a.k.a. Chilean Sea Bass). A chase across the southern hemisphere ensues.

I think the structure of this book is meant to heighten the dramatic tension of the story of the Viarsa — short bursts of action finishing with a courtroom drama, interspersed with background information. It seems contrived as you read on, however, since each possibly tense moment is resolved without much conflict. ( )