Documentary Practice & Photojournalism: Hannah Reyes Morales
See a selection of images from Hannah Reyes Morales.
Caption
Slide 31 of 165
Cities Made of Water
December 5, 2016
Fish is seen stored in a bucket in Jacana Tuna Landing in Palawan, Philippines. The Philippines is the beating heart of the Coral Triangle, with more species of marine life than anywhere else on Earth, including the most species of coral. They are the vital foundation of coastal communities and marine ecosystems, both: coral reefs don't just sustain coastal fisherfolk communities, they are also crucial spawning grounds for the world's fish populations. Commercial fishing boats often work in municipal waters close to shore, an illegal practice often permitted for a fee by poor municipalities. This extensive overfishing means that subsistence fisherfolk often don't catch enough to feed their families, and fish populations don't get the chance to recover. Thus, the need for marine protected areas and seasonal fishing closures, which help to increase marine biomass. With the Philippines the third most vulnerable country to climate change, fisherfolk, who are the least responsible for causing the worsening climate crisis, are also the most vulnerable to its disastrous consequences such as rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastline erosion.