Mariscadoras

The series aims to visualize Mariscadoras, mostly women over the age of 40 working as resilient shellfish gatherers in Carril (North of Spain). Their story is one of survival and a fight to preserve their way of life which is at risk.

Mariscadoras from Carril (Galicia,North of Spain) mostly women over the age of 40 work as resilient shellfish gatherers in one of Spain’s most demanding professions. They keep working in harsh conditions that take a toll on their health, facing the impacts of climate change which is disrupting the growth of their primary harvest— clams (including Almeja japonica, Almeja babosa, and Berberecho). Elevated water temperatures, which surpassed 20 degrees in summer period, intense rainfall affecting sea salinity, and a surge in invasive species are evident indicators of the transformation occurring in the Galician river ecosystems. Over the last 20 years, clams production has decreased by 73% and the seafood collector sector estimated losses of around 10 million euros only in 2022 

Mariscadoras are the backbone of the economy in this region of Spain. Thanks to their work traditions have survived and biodiversity is taken care of. Their story is one of survival and a fight to preserve their way of life, which is at risk. Despite the hardships, they remain deeply connected to the sea, seeing it as their ”most beautiful office”  For the Mariscadoras the sea both gives and takes, requiring great strength and resilience to sustain this balance.

Archive thanks to "O faiado da memoria" (Villagarcia de Arousa)