OPTIMUM TELEVISION

The Fishers of Palk Bay

The Palk Bay is a stretch of shallow warm sea, connecting India and Sri Lanka. For centuries it was a hotspot for natural pearl collection, attracting the attention of illustrious south India kings and traders from around the world.

Even though pearl collection was banned a few decades ago many of the unique artisanal fishing methods still live on. Free diving fishermen, net makers, shell hunters and trap builders: all this and more make the Palk bay a hub of traditional knowledge.

This film follows the life of 5 different fishermen, each a master of his technique, each struggling to make a livelihood and yet so full of hope that things can change for the better in the Palk Bay.

Episodic Synopsis available here