Shore porters (India, Kerala)

Along the coast of Kerala in southern India, shore seines are one of the oldest fishing techniques in the region. Used for centuries, these nets—often 300 to 1,000 meters long—are deployed manually from the shore and then pulled collectively by several fishermen organized in a line. This type of fishing requires perfect coordination between the men, a detailed knowledge of the currents, and an accurate reading of the sea.

The system still often relies on community cooperatives , or family groups, where fish distribution is done according to a traditional sharing model. However, access to coastal areas is decreasing : erosion, illegal tourist construction and environmental restrictions reduce the spaces usable for this technique.

At the same time, younger generations are tending to turn away from this profession, which is considered low-paying and exhausting. The sector is also weakened by overfishing using trawlers and coastal privatization policies . Yet, this practice remains one of the only sustainable means of subsistence for many families in the coastal districts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Kozhikode.

This photograph was selected by the prestigious international gallery 1X.com, which recognizes works for their aesthetic and documentary value.