Overfishing of English Channel Forces Local Fishermen To Find Alternative Work by Emma Khan

Public Project

Overfishing of English Channel Forces Local Fishermen To Find Alternative Work

Copyright Emma Khan 2025

Updated May 2025

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A photo story highlighting the issue that fishermen in the English Channel are currently facing due to the massive fall in fish stocks which is forcing them to refocus as 'pilots' for cross channel swimmers. The fishermen, based in Folkestone and Dover in Kent, England, are having to give up their family tradition (some fishermen being the forth generation) of sustainable fishing practice and look to other areas to make ends meet.

Fishermen have been frustrated with a very unpredictable monthly income which they believe is due to changes in sea temperature, pollution and the fact that fish are unable to rebuild themselves due to continued industrial over fishing, and the destruction of their habitat through bottom trawling and dredging.

The NGO Blue Marine Foundation launched legal proceeding against the UK Government in March this year, over the government’s decision to set fishing opportunities at levels exceeding scientific advice, and this story is part of the fallout from years of neglect in the industry.

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Emma Khan

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