Gotta catch 'em all: fishermen fight the elements to make a living at sea
By Globaltimes.cn-CFP, Published: 2016-10-11 17:20:21
A young fisherman surnamed Li throws a rope to his colleagues standing on another boat at noon on September 30 off the coast of Rizhao, East China’s Shandong Province. With the wind measuring 8 on the Beaufort scale in the morning, the two fishing boats cut through the gale and stormy seas on the way to deeper waters in pursuit of a bountiful catch.
Editor's Note:
Fishing has long been the major source of income for people living by the sea. However with the changing tides of the global market, fishermen have to work harder to make ends meet. Shortly after Typhoon Megi blew over, fishermen in Shandong Province set out on a seven-day fishing journey, spending the National Day holiday at sea. Repeatedly casting their nets in the wind and rain, the fishermen brought in a catch worth around 150,000 yuan ($22,384), barely enough to cover their costs. Photos: CFP

Fishermen draw up their nets for their first catch after more than five hours at sea, shortly after midday on September 30 off the coast of Rizhao, East China’s Shandong Province.
Two fishermen reorganize their nets after a catch at 7 am on October 1. Maintaining the nets is an important technical skill for fishermen to master to maximize the quantity of fish caught. Those proficient in the skill often command the highest wages.
A senior fisherman surnamed Han tugs a cable used to draw up the nets at 6:11 am on October 3. Fishermen have to heave the cables back and forth over 20 times during every catch.
Fishermen get ready to draw up their nets from the sea at 6:16 am on October 3. It was the fifth day of their fishing trip, and their first with clear skies and seas.
The deputy captain surnamed Hou sits at the back of the boat, waiting for the nets to be drawn up once more at 6:05 pm on October 3. In the past, the deputy captain was in charge of piloting the boat while the captain was resting, but now, with less and less fishermen on board, he must personally draw in the nets.
Fishermen man their stations as they start to pull up their nets at 6:15 pm on October 3.
Fishermen sort the different kinds of fishes freshly pulled up in the nets at 6:09 pm on October 1. Saury skin is the most easily blemished of all fishes, meaning they sell for a lower price. The fishermen thus first sort the saury from their catch, before moving on to other fishes.
Fishermen have lunch on September 30. They have no regular mealtimes onboard, and must eat during breaks between each catch. In their spare time, they watch DVDs or listen to music.
A fisherman surnamed Hu lays out small fish to dry at 9:21 am on October 4. The dried fish make a delicious meal for fishermen at sea.