Tethered

In 2024, I set out to explore Newlyn, one of the UK’s largest and most historic fishing ports, aiming to understand its workings beyond the surface. More than just a bustling harbour, Newlyn is a place where generations of fishermen have built their lives on the ebb and flow of the tides. Wanting to go beyond statistics and industry reports, I sought to hear firsthand from the fishermen themselves—their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on sustainability in an ever-changing world. 

Through this project, I documented life on the harbour, capturing both the raw beauty and the stark realities of an industry that has shaped coastal communities for centuries. As words like “sustainable,” “ethically sourced,” and “responsibly caught” become ingrained in our conversations about food, I wanted to see what these ideals truly mean to those who live by the sea. What I found was a story of resilience, adaptation, and the complex relationship between tradition and modern pressures—one that continues to evolve.