Episode 91: Sustainable Fishing vs. Shockumentaries: A Deep Dive with Jim & Ashley Cowie

In Episode 91 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios Theocharous welcomes two fascinating guests: Jim Cowie, the proud owner of Scrabster Seafood Bar & Takeaway and Captains Galley, and Ashley Cowie, an explorer, filmmaker, and author with a sharp eye for media manipulation. Together, they dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the environmental documentary Seaspiracy and the real issues facing the seafood industry today.

The episode kicks off with a casual conversation about their connections and the surprise of surprisingly good Wi-Fi in remote locations like Jim’s in Scrabster and Ashley’s in rural Colombia. This easy-going start sets the tone for a deep, yet approachable, discussion on the challenges of fishing, seafood sustainability, and the controversial messaging of Seaspiracy.

The core of the episode revolves around the shocking narrative presented in Seaspiracy, which paints a grim picture of the fishing industry. Both Jim and Ashley, seasoned industry experts, challenge the film’s portrayal of the global fishing community. Jim, a fisherman with over 50 years of experience, describes how the documentary’s sweeping generalizations about fishing practices, particularly in Scotland, felt deeply personal and misguided. As someone who has lived the realities of the fishing industry, Jim passionately defends sustainable practices that fishermen like him are implementing.

Ashley, with his background in filmmaking, takes a critical look at Seaspiracy from a production standpoint. He classifies the film as a “shockumentary,” designed more for emotional manipulation than factual integrity. He dissects the film’s biases, pointing out its selective storytelling, which conveniently ignores voices from responsible, local fishermen. Ashley’s detailed analysis of the film’s misleading statistics and sensationalist tone offers listeners a fresh perspective on how media can shape public opinion without presenting the full story.

One of the episode’s most captivating moments comes when Ashley talks about the growing trend of “cellular seafood” and the growing influence of Silicon Valley on food production. He explains how tech companies are betting on the future of lab-grown seafood, positioning it as an alternative to wild-caught fish. Jim adds to the conversation by highlighting the importance of local, responsible fishing schemes, which, he argues, offer a more sustainable and authentic approach than mass-produced, industrial alternatives.

Through these discussions, Stelios helps guide the conversation toward an exploration of the broader implications of media-driven narratives on industries like seafood. The episode emphasizes the need for more nuanced conversations and transparent solutions. One of the most compelling points made is the call for people to engage directly with their food sources—whether it’s by supporting local fishermen or making informed decisions about where seafood comes from.

Notable quotes from the episode include:

• Ashley Cowie: “The whole thing is about disruption. You can’t sell a story if you’re not going to disrupt someone.”

• Jim Cowie: “It’s just obscene and disgraceful that they would ruin communities around the world, millions of people out of work, just to fill the pockets of a few.”

For anyone in the fish and chip industry, hospitality, or anyone interested in the future of food sustainability, this episodeoffers invaluable insights into the complexities of sustainable seafood practices. Stelios, Jim, and Ashley all bring their unique expertise to the table, making this an essential listen for anyone wanting to understand the true nature of the seafood industry and how it’s being misrepresented in popular media.

If you’re ready for a balanced, expert-led take on the Seaspiracy controversy and the future of sustainable fishing, don’t miss Episode 91 of The Ceres Podcast. Tune in, listen, and subscribe today.