Striking Images Expose Harsh Realities of South-East Asia’s Fishing Industry

Swift Summary

• Photographer Nicole Tung spent nine months documenting the human and environmental costs of overfishing and illegal fishing in South-East Asia.
• The images were part of a project funded by a €50,000 Carmignac Photojournalism Award for fieldwork.
• Tung highlighted industrialized global fishing since the 1950s, rising demand due to population growth, and its adverse impacts on workers and communities.
• Indonesian fishermen described harsh working conditions and violence aboard fishing vessels as “harrowing.”
• Key images include:

– Filipino fishermen unloading Yellowfin tuna, Bigeye tuna, and Blue Marlin at General Santos fish port after being at sea for a month.
– A dock worker sorting fish species in Ranong, Thailand.
– The Urak Lawoi Indigenous group constructing ceremonial boats during festivals marking the end of tourism and fishing seasons on Koh Lipe island due to depleted local fish stocks.- Filipino families preparing bait for their lines in Quezon, Palawan.

Images:

1. Philippines (General Santos): Fishermen unloading yellowfin tuna.

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1. Koh Lipe Island: Urak Lawoi villagers sailing ceremonial boats after gathering wood from nearby islands.

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