Horseback shrimp fishing is a centuries-old tradition that continues in the coastal village of Oostduinkerke, Belgium. Gregory Debruyne, a Belgian horseback shrimp fisherman, follows in his father’s footsteps to catch shrimp using horses rather than boats. This ancient practice is the last of its kind in the world and is listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Horseback shrimp fishing began in the 15th and 16th centuries when local farmers caught shrimp for Christian monks in the region. Today, only 12 families in Belgium continue this tradition. Despite dwindling shrimp populations due to climate change, fisherman like Debruyne remain committed to the practice out of a love for horses, the sea, and preserving their heritage.
While the catch of brown shrimp is small and mostly for tourism, Debruyne and other horseback shrimp fishers persevere to keep the tradition alive. They acknowledge the impact of climate change on shrimp populations and the sea ecosystem. While experts suggest sustainable fishing techniques such as electric fishing, the horseback fishers remain dedicated to preserving their heritage.
For these fishermen, horseback shrimp fishing is not just about money but also about the love for horses and the sea. They hope that this ancient tradition will continue for generations to come, regardless of the challenges posed by climate change. As Debruyne puts it, horseback shrimp fishing makes them feel like the kings and queens of the world, ensuring that this unique practice will endure in Oostduinkerke for years to come.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com