Men and the Sea: Photographing Kenyan Fishermen

There are two seasonal winds that Kenyan sailors use to navigate the Indian Ocean – the "Kaskazi" and the "Kusi." The Swahili word, "Kaskazi," is the northeasterly wind that blows along the coast from December through March. The Kaskazi is their transport and a large part of the fishermen's livelihood.

When photographer Teodoras Grigaliunas had the opportunity to climb aboard a boat with northern Kenyan fishermen, he wrapped his camera in a plastic bag. He knew the experience would produce some awesome photos.

"It is unique, as are all my other projects. What they all do have in common is a focus on life that is silent and proud of itself. Chewing on octopus for breakfast, cooking a freshly caught barracuda on a fire in the middle of the boat, pulling wet and heavy nets from the ocean up to the boats while the captain in front of me is stung by a rayfish and carried to the shore – of course this was different," Grigaliunas told weather.com.

The fishermen in the images are divers. Their main catches are crabs, lobsters and octopus found in particular spots in the ocean. Grigaliunas explained that while the fishermen sail to the crustacean-rich areas, they cast out their lines for large fish as well.

The captain caught a barracuda using this method, and it took the men five minutes to get the fish aboard where the fish was gutted. The fishermen cooked half of the fish right there on the boat and ate it, while the other half was brought to shore, where Grigaliunas gave it to a friend as a gift.

"The weather has a major impact on the fishing," said Grigaliunas. "Many times after a windy day, I would see boats coming back together, all empty. For fishing, calm weather and water is preferred. If you are out in the ocean and the wind starts rising, it's a good time to turn back home."

Grigaliunas plans to return to Kenya in December to finish this photo project. For more information, visit his website.