Fishing is such a hard life; but those who do it love it.

There’s so much to contend with, long hours and weather, as well as the danger of the work.

Recently (if you use that word with a bit of a long view), they’ve had to contend with over fishing and new styles of fishing so as not to over fish or to take fish they’re not fishing for. For years fishing hauled in huge catches of the wrong fish along with the right ones. and for years the way we fished was damaging to the stocks of fish. And for years, waterfolk have had to sit out the seasons because the stocks were so decimated. But finally the fish are coming back and new fishing styles are improving the way we fish.

This has caused hardship and expense for those who make their living on the water.

You wonder what makes folk return to the sea.

Well, for some, it’s probably all they’ve ever known. But for the others it’s the water that draws them back again and again.

I’ve been immersed in Blue Mind: The Surprising Science that Shows How Being Neear, In, On or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, more Connected, and Better at What You Do by Wallace J. Nichols. It’s a fascinating read.

Bottom line, even if they love their work, it’s hard work with sometimes disappointing results. If you eat fish, you owe them deep gratitude for the work they do. I love fish and I give thanks for their work on the water. Peace to the fisherfolk and to those who enjoy the fruits of their labor.