This is the story of David Zaragoza and his first trip at sea on the shrimping vessel Coxar IX. David’s family owns the largest shrimping fleet in the Gulf of California. Someday, he’ll be in charge, but on this trip he is learning what working life is like at sea. In 2017, our film crew got exclusive access to follow David, rare for an industry struggling to find their voice amidst collapsing fisheries and pointed fingers. During the trip, David is faced with some difficult questions -how do you become a part of the solution when you are historically part of the problem?
The Gulf of California has historically been one of the most productive oceans in the world. In the last few decades, many commercial fish populations have collapsed, leaving an uncertain future for industrial fleets and indigenous communities who depend on them. Overfishing is caused by a lack of science based governance, illegal harvesting, new technologies that increase catch sizes and a licensing system that directs economic gains and power in the hands of a few. If left unaddressed, one of the most important biologically diverse hotpots in the world will be destroyed.
Producer/Drone Photographer/Editor: Cody Sheehy
Photographers: Rogelio Garcia & Cody Sheehy