Ep 6. The Endgame

Lawless Oceans follows investigative journalist and ocean advocate Karsten von Hoesslin as he travels the globe to uncover criminal activity on the high seas.

In The Endgame, season 1 episode 6, von Hoesslin heads to Thailand to investigate the illegal trade of marine life. The episode opens with von Hoesslin in conversation with an undercover informant, who shares images of live turtles and other rare sea creatures being illegally traded in Thailand's seafood markets.

Von Hoesslin's investigation takes him to the port of Bangkok, where he observes a shipment of illegal wildlife being loaded onto a fishing vessel. In an effort to get a closer look, von Hoesslin enlists the help of a local fisherman who agrees to take him out to sea.

As they navigate the choppy waters of the Gulf of Thailand, von Hoesslin and the fisherman spot several fishing vessels engaged in illegal activity. They witness crews tossing rare sea creatures overboard in an attempt to evade detection by authorities.

In a shocking turn of events, von Hoesslin and his team stumble upon a hidden operation where live sharks are being shipped to China for finning – a practice in which shark fins are severed and the animals are tossed overboard to die.

Working with local authorities, von Hoesslin gathers evidence of the illegal activity, which is presented to a prosecutor for review. In a nail-biting climax, von Hoesslin confronts the suspects involved in the trade, leading to the dramatic seizure of several fishing vessels and the arrest of several individuals.

Throughout the episode, von Hoesslin shines a light on the devastating impact of illegal fishing and wildlife trafficking on marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. He also underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the need for increased regulation to protect the world's oceans.

The Endgame is a compelling and action-packed episode that highlights the important work being done to combat criminal activity on the high seas. Through his investigating and reporting, von Hoesslin sheds light on the dark and dangerous world of wildlife trafficking, while offering hope for a more sustainable and just future for our oceans.