GUILIN, CHINA 24°39’20.9”N 110°36’22.1”E
“The fading tradition of cormorant fishing serves as a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of wildlife, ensuring that our interactions with the natural world are rooted in respect and coexistence rather than exploitation.”
The fisherman was equipped with a fishing net and three cormorants. He explained that nets are good to catch smaller fish closer to the surface while cormorants are used to dive deeper and bring bigger fish. Birds are cast into the water, and as they plunge, they capture fish in their throats. To manage the birds, fishermen secure a slack loop close to the foundation of the bird’s throat. This doesn’t hinder the bird from ingesting small fish but hinders it from swallowing larger fish, which are briefly retained in their gullet. When a cormorant has caught a fish in its throat, the fisherman brings the bird back to the boat by pulling the rope and has it regurgitate the fish. After a successful fishing trip, the cormorants receive their share of caught fish. Having a private demonstration allowed me to capture the action both over and under the water, using underwater housing for my camera. I repeated the experience at sunset the same day in a different part of Li River with another fisherman. I left China with mixed feelings. Observing cormorants across diverse landscapes allowed me to appreciate these magnificent, untamed birds in their natural element. Renowned for their adept fishing skills, these creatures, at certain points in human history, faced the threat of being perceived as rivals to human fishermen, leading to widespread culling. However, a transformative shift occurred when humans recognized the potential for collaboration rather than competition. Historically, the art of training cormorants to work with fishermen not only alleviated the perceived threat but also established these birds as valuable allies. What was once a survival tool for many fishermen evolved into a symbiotic relationship, showcasing the adaptability of both species. This practice not only preserved the lives of the cormorants but also demonstrated the coexistence of wildlife and humans, offering a poignant lesson in sustainable resource utilization. Nevertheless, as we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the tradition of cormorant fishing has undergone changes. While the spectacle remains visually captivating, reminiscent of a circus where trained animals showcase their skills, I find solace in the thought that this age-old craft is gradually fading. The disappearing act of cormorant fishing, soon to be relegated to folklore and visual arts, reflects a collective awareness of ethical considerations and evolving attitudes toward our animal counterparts. As we bid adieu to this practice, we carry forward the lessons learned about the delicate balance between humans and nature. The fading tradition of cormorant fishing serves as a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of wildlife, ensuring that our interactions with the natural world are rooted in respect and coexistence rather than exploitation.
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MOTHER VOLUME THREE
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