SSF are personal

A story by Javier Signorelli, Argentina

When Javier was born, he was taken to Larralde Beach, where his parents Juan and Cándida lived with his sisters and brothers, all 10 of them, all dedicated to fishing and housework. Little by little he started learning what fishing was about and what it meant. When he started going out on the boat with his father, he realized that the work he and his brothers, divers and sailors, were doing was not easy. One was constantly cold and wet when caught by storms and winds. But while some days were difficult, others were beautiful.

 

An e-book by Mariëlle Klein Lankhorst, The Netherlands

In 2018, Mariëlle travelled for twelve months through Europe to interview small-scale fishers. She wondered how they were doing. The stories she collected were as diverse as the people she met. Still, she noticed several common issues such as the topic of what is happening with fishers in Europe, how they are impacted by EU legislation, and changes in markets and marine environments. Mariëlle’s photo book, tries to incorporate different aspects of fishing lives as it illustrates answers to the question of “What keeps you up at night?” The e-book will be published next month as part of the TBTI Global publication series.

A photovoice collection by Emi Koch, Peru & Fiona Simmance, Malaysia

From the coast of Peru to the shores of Lake Chilwa in Malawi to fresh produce markets in Vietnam, small-scale fisheries provide vital income, food, nutrition and a sense of identity. Here we share photos and voices of fishing community members from across the globe that were gathered through the photovoice research method – a powerful tool that empowers people to visually document and honour their knowledge and experiences about issues that affect their lives.

Drawings by Indah Rufiati, Indonesia

Small-scale octopus fishers in Darawa, Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia catch octopus using selective fishing gear spear. Female fishers glean during low tide while male fishers use diving methods to catch octopus. Since 2017, Darawa fishing communities have been conducting participatory octopus fisheries monitoring and use the data as the basis of community-based fisheries management in their area.

Poetry collection by Ruth Brennan, Ireland

A collection of ‘found poems’ created from interviews with islanders, policymakers and fishing industry representatives to better understand the challenges faced by small-scale island fishing communities in the governance of Irish island fisheries, during the course of participatory research carried out between 2018 and 2020.

A story by Wilson Rivadeneira, Ecuador

Wilson feels very lucky to have grown up in Galapagos and even more so, that his family is dedicated to artisanal fishing. Fishing is the first job he learned from his father and thanks to him, he has been able to visit many places and experience incredible adventures; at the same time, it allowed him to understand the importance of marine resources for his community. For Wilson, fishing represents a lifestyle in which the most important thing is to be well fed and have comfortable clothes. Although it is an activity that requires a lot of effort, it offers fun and interesting experiences.

A story by Eric Holliday, New Zealand

Psychologists tell us that what happens in our childhood has a lasting impact on your life in adulthood. In the case of Eric Holliday, growing up in South Africa, and learning to love the sea and all things marine and fishing related, it has certainly proved true. It shaped his career and installed a deep and longlasting appreciation for the small-scale fisheries sector.

A drawing by Salvador Rodriguez-Van Dyck, Mexico

Knowledge and passion can be contagious and sometimes its’ not the old generation teaching the younger one but the other way around. Salvador is an oceanographer with over 12 years of experience promoting co-management among Mexican fishing communities. He’s trying to get back into painting.