The Starlight fishing boat continuously trawls the sea between Australia and Indonesia, up to a 30-hour journey north of Darwin, following the giant schools of fish and looking for the best spots to lower its bait traps.



All around is emptiness, endless sea in all directions, ravaged hands, bundles of nerves, the burning sun, tough physical labour and a punishing daily schedule that starts at 2 a.m. and ends 16 hours later with sleep in a tiny bunk. In three weeks, the crew will burn 20,000 litres of fuel, collect 24 tonnes of fish and take half a day's break.



D, Grahaiam, Romain and Colin are so far from Sydney and its familiar lifestyle, all they have is the sea; it pays well if you have the skills. They don't know where else to go, they have no education, not even a driver's licence. An incredibly long time in the sea to lay the foundations for a better future, maybe in Lombok, Indonesia, where Captain Colin dreams of moving one day.



For now, the sea is home.



M.A.



3rd Jury Prize Documentary - Viewbook PhotoStory 2009

www.viewbookphotostory.com