Fishermen

The boats rest on the beach in darkness, the men head out before dawn.

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

During the dry season, the fishermen have to contend with the harshness of the mountains as well as the sea. They can only arrive to their fishing cove by boat.

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

A fisherman helps to secure one of several boats that will arrive at the fishing spot that morning. It takes a few hours for the whole crew to arrive at the designated fishing spot.

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

Weaving and mending fishing nets is one of several tasks that are accomplished throughout the day. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

This cat is one of a few pets the group cares for collectively.  

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

The fishermen work as a team, which is essential to manage the work load, especially at the end of the day.

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

A man rests on the rocks, waiting for the next catch. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises

A small portion of the daily catch is reserved for lunch. Here, the designated cook prepares a meal while another man naps under the tarp.

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

 When the fish fill the net, the fishermen jump up together to pull it in.  It is difficult work and requires the help of many hands.

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

The men join together to pull in a full net. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises

The fishermen stretch the net out for repairs. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

A weathered tarp is strung up at the water's edge to provide some respite from the sun. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

A man walks along the shore as another swims out to adjust the nets that are being placed in the water. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

Three friends pose for a photograph in the afternoon sun. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

The fish are sorted in the shade before they are sold at the market. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

There are often long waits between pulling in the nets.  In the meantime, the men enjoy each other's company in the afternoon sun.

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

Two of the younger fishermen occupy their time in the afternoon light. 

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.

A man steers the boat away from the fishing cove, heading back to Taganga in the sunset.  

In this series, I photographed the daily happenings of a group of fishermen in the small town of Taganga, on the northern coast of Colombia.  They use a simple yet effective method, common of indigenous groups, that has been passed down through generations. Their connection to the sea and their commitment to this way of life persists despite the amassing threats of pollution and over-fishing by commercial enterprises.