Pavadairayan, a 60-year-old migrant laborer in Chennai, India, works as a “basket man” at Kasimedu Fishing Harbour. Each day from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m., he carries 35-pound baskets of fish on his head from boats to the auction house, making up to 50 trips along slippery paths. Despite earning only $5 a day and facing distrust from supervisors, Pavadairayan values the freedom his job provides, allowing him to enjoy his afternoons. The bustling harbor, overcrowded with over 1,000 boats, is home to around 30,000 workers, including fishermen and auctioneers. Among them is Nandu Kumar, a 65-year-old former fisherman who once resorted to smuggling to make ends meet. Their stories highlight the challenges and deep connection to the sea that define their lives.
QUESTION: How might the working conditions at Kasimedu Fishing Harbour change if the number of boats continues to increase?
PHOTOS: The precarious life of fisherfolk
