In Lungi, a coastal town known for its bustling fishing activities, the shoreline tells a stark story. Discarded waste filled with plastic, used syringes, diapers, and anything else you could think of, litters the coast, even as local fishermen cast their nets into the same waters. These fishermen rely on the ocean's ecosystem as their primary source of livelihood. Once the catch is reeled in, women, known locally as "fish mammies," collect the fish to sell at the market, sustaining the community's economy.

A traditional fishing method prevalent in this region is "chain fishing." This laborious technique involves a group of fishermen working in unison to encircle schools of fish using a chain, which is then reeled into shore, a laborious task that even young boys participate in. This collaborative approach not only reflects the community's deep connection to the sea but also underscores the importance of teamwork and cultural heritage in sustaining local livelihoods.

However, the livelihoods of these artisanal fishermen are increasingly threatened by pollution and overfishing, particularly with the increasing presence of foreign trawlers. These industrial vessels, equipped with advanced technology, often operate further out in the same waters, depleting fish stocks and leaving local fishermen with diminishing returns. This competition for resources has led to economic hardships and heightened tensions within the community.