Powerful Image Captures the Hidden Struggles of Southeast Asia’s Fishing Industry

These striking images capture the efforts of photographer Nicole Tung, who dedicated nine months to documenting the human and environmental toll of overfishing in Southeast Asia. Since the 1950s, fishing has rapidly evolved from a traditional craft into a global industry, primarily in developed nations. The rise in overfishing and illegal catch practices is alarming, driven by the increasing demand from a growing population.

Tung emphasizes the significance of the region as a vital part of the global fisheries market. Her project received funding from the €50,000 Kaminyak Photojournalism Award for fieldwork, which shifted her perspective on seafood consumption. Rather than suggesting complete abstention, she advocates for greater awareness and informed choices from consumers.

She expressed her distress over harrowing accounts from Indonesian fishermen, who detailed the violence and dreadful conditions they encounter at sea.

The image above illustrates a fisherman delivering a catch of tuna at General Santos fishport in the Philippines after a month at sea, including Bigger Tuna and Blue Marlin.

In other scenes, dock workers from Myanmar sort fish species being offloaded in Ranong, Thailand. Below, the indigenous Ulak Roy people and Thai villagers from Koh Lipe gather wood from nearby islands during a festival celebrating the end of the fishing and tourism season. They utilize the materials to construct ceremonial boats as offerings to their ancestors.

In this concluding image, a family of Filipino fishermen prepares bait for their fishing line in Quezon, Palawan, Philippines.