Jef Pattyn (Belgium/the Netherlands) watches as an artisan fisher drags a sailfish across the beach.
Jef had spent days watching the fishers bring their catch to shore surrounded by birds that were trying to get their share. When he took this photograph, the fish were being loaded onto trucks early in the morning having been prepared at sea.
Artisan fishing provides vital employment opportunities for people living around Ecuador’s Eastern Pacific waters. Though small in scale compared to the industrial-scale fishing undertaken by international fleets, artisan fishing does still have an impact. Marine mammals, including sperm and humpback whales as well as bottlenose, common, Risso’s and spotted dolphins, can get entangled in the nets.
Belgium/the Netherlands
Jef is a biology student in the Netherlands, mainly focusing on marine ecology and conservation. Sports, travelling and photography are some of his main hobbies. He was introduced to photography by his father, who taught him everything he knew from a young age. As he’s very interested in marine biology, Jef is honoured to be able to contribute to raising awareness for our oceans.
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.
