The Southeast Asian distant-water fishing industry faces a growing problem of forced labor and human trafficking, particularly affecting migrant fishers from countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Working with Greenpeace Southeast Asia, I designed a digital storytelling experience that translated findings from a three-year investigation into a more accessible and engaging format. The research highlighted increasing labor abuses in the industry and emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among ASEAN member states and stakeholders to improve recruitment practices, migration pathways and grievance mechanisms.
The visual concept was inspired by the contrast between the calm surface of the ocean and the hidden issues occurring beneath it. The design uses flowing lines and wave-like forms to evoke the sea while reinforcing the project's central theme: that many labor abuses remain unseen despite occurring at a large scale. A case study was incorporated into the narrative to illustrate the pathways that can lead migrant workers into forced labor situations.
To support the story, I created a series of custom visualizations and maps. I used Mapbox to build interactive geographic views, layering exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundaries with vessel location data. Additional diagrams and flow visualizations were designed to communicate migration routes, labor conditions and regional relationships in a clear and accessible way. The project was also adapted into a downloadable poster format to extend its reach beyond the website.
This project expanded my experience designing for international audiences and strengthened my skills in translating complex research into visual stories that balance clarity, sensitivity and engagement.
