Vanguard | March 05, 2008 | 15 comments

Cocaine and Lobster

MarianaVanZeller

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As the number of lobsters decline, divers on the Miskito Coast are forced to dive deeper. Many have been crippled or killed. And as the region's traditional economy begins to run dry, some are turning to an even riskier shadow economy, known locally as the "white lobster".
Current TV's Mariana van Zeller travels to this remote corner of Nicaragua to examine some very visible effects of overfishing and dwindling ocean resources.
  1. groups:
    News and Politics,   Green,   Earth and Science,   On Current TV,   8 more
  2. tags:
    News and Politics Not News Green Earth and Science 27 more
  3. credits:
    MarianaVanZeller Correspondent, MarianaVanZeller Starring, dmfoster Producer, more
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15 comments // Cocaine and Lobster // Video

  • TREBORUSMC
    • 0
      TREBORUSMC  
    • Re: Cocaine and Lobster
      Thank you, Mariana. You and your companions have produced a wonderful historical record, as are all of your videos. I praise you because your videos are all serious and educational. I am praying that all of your videos soon become publicized on all TV networks around the world. I am praying for that!!! All people should stop eating Lobster and using Cocaine. This shows how useless the United Nations is. They can't pressure those third world countries to provide for their people. The United States and other nations, including the United Nations should create jobs in those countries by sponsoring small businesses instead of giving funds to the pockets of the rich people who run those countries. I pray that Jesus the Messiah will bless the people of Nicaragua so that they may find employment or preferably, start their own businesses.

    • 2 years ago
  • jsharp711
  • jamesmallin
    • 0
      jamesmallin  
    • another example of how desparate people may become inextricably linked into the drug trade. i really liked the summary of the man in the boat who said the white lobster was the work of the devil'.

    • 3 years ago
  • forgot171
    • 0
      forgot171  
    • Another situation of the masses needing to be educated. Also another situation where the people risking thier lives are doing it for so little money.

    • 3 years ago
  • Azzers
  • relikpL
  • Jweeke
    • 0
      Jweeke  
    • this is a remarkable piece of work. i can't think of any other media corporation that would produce something like this, like, at all. i'm supposed to give you some criticism... really can't think of anything. just proud to be a part of it all.

    • 3 years ago
  • cibalin
    • 0
      cibalin  
    • Fantastic pod....very well done. There are no simple answers to the end of drug trade nor the answer to the dwindling resource of our oceans. I am glad that there is a conscious decision to be made by the consumer for the fish/lobster/ or any other bounty from the sea. All of our help is needed!

    • 3 years ago
  • covelogibbs
    • 0
      covelogibbs  
    • Thanks for this story Mariana, it was thorough and engaging. You immerse us in Nicaraguan culture and the sea, while teaching us something about what it means to be human. Watching what these divers have to go through and the equipment they use has given me new respect for my dive gear and training.

      Kudos to current for this Vanguard special. The longer format really allows Mariana's story to shine. This is an eye opener and for anyone that eats lobster, it will definitely make them think twice.

      I'm looking forward to more like this.

    • 3 years ago
  • rawrfee
  • michaeloliver
    • 0
      michaeloliver  
    • Really compelling and pertinent story chronicling the hardships faced by those with little to make a dent in a world economy governed by the (mostly) oblivious and wealthy. Great shooting and congrats on obtaining such extensive access into the daily grind of this Nicaraguan community.

    • 3 years ago
  • LaWingman
    • 0
      LaWingman  
    • This is an extremely good piece, Mariana - a little reminder and a look back at reality for everyone currently screaming at each other in debate over whether or not the should vote for Clinton or Obama.

      Really makes you appreciate what you have. Thanks a lot.

    • 3 years ago
  • JJWalker2
    • 0
      JJWalker2  
    • Another instance of how American goods are provided by the broken backs of others around the world. We consume these goods without even pondering how they were produced or harvested. What's worse is that even when we know the detrimental situations others put themselves in to provide our goods, we (Americans) don't care. Sure it's a blanket statement, but will this video stop you from going to Red Lobster?

      The small stores that do take notice, and offer goods that are harvested or produced in "better" ways, won't truly make a difference.

    • 3 years ago
  • LeeVining
    • 0
      LeeVining  
    • JJWalker2:

      To say this lobster is served in America is crazy, ridiculous and typical liberal " blame America first."

      The US has it's own lobster industry that hardly treats it's fishermen bad.
      It's a good paying, well run industry.

      Sold at red lobster? Wake up dude,, put some warmth in your heart, and respect for your country,, and some knowlege in your brain before you make a non-sense statement like that.

    • 3 years ago

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