As I step onto the fishing boat, I am immediately overwhelmed by the scent of fish and seawater. The floor of the ship is slippery under my feet and I have to be careful not to slip. Everywhere I look, I see nets, ropes, and other fishing equipment.

I walk to the stern, where the fishermen are sorting and cleaning their catch. The men are dressed in thick, waterproof jackets and their faces are red from the cold. They work quickly and efficiently, constantly gesturing and talking to each other.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see one of the fishermen pull a large herring out of a net. He runs the fish through a wooden stanchion and then stacks it on a pile in a bucket. I grab my camera and snap a photo of the moment.

As I continue to photograph, I notice the fishermen growing more trusting of me. They show me how they repair their nets and how they use electric shocks to catch the fish. I am impressed by their knowledge and skills, and I am grateful for this unique opportunity to get a glimpse into their workday.

But as I watch the fishermen, I can’t help but wonder how much longer this livelihood will continue to exist. Technological progress has made fishing more automated, meaning fewer people are needed to do the job. This leads to questions about the future of the fishing profession and whether it is still necessary in a world that is increasingly driven by technology.

The fishermen of Vlissingen have also faced political criticism of their industry. There are regular debates about the ways they fish, using techniques such as electric shocks that are sometimes prohibited. This leads to frustration and misunderstanding among the fishermen, who see how distant politics are from the reality of their work and how little understanding there is of the challenges they face.

As I reflect on my time on the fishing boat, I realize how connected I am to the fishermen of Vlissingen and the Zeeland culture, despite growing up in Amsterdam. I come from a Zeeland family and have always had a deep love for the sea and the fishing life. The time I spent on the ship with the fishermen of Vlissingen was a special experience for me, and it made me feel even more connected to my Zeeland roots.

But at the same time, I wonder how long this will all continue to exist. The future of the fishing profession is uncertain, with changing technology and political criticism. But the fishermen of Vlissingen continue to fight, with their determination and traditions as their allies. They continue to practice their profession, from father to son, and hope to continue to play a vital role in the Zeeland culture in the future. And I hope to continue to be connected to these special people and this unique culture in some way.