Sierra Leone's Waters of Life, December 2012

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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

Despite the increasing threat of overfishing and depleted reserves, Sierra Leone waters remain relatively rich, and the source of income for tens of thousands.

Fishermen come fishing off the coast of Sierra Leone's capital Freetown.
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

Nothing goes to waste. Large fish nets bring in everything from fish to shrimps to crabs.
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

Cockles, a kind of shell fish, are a popular favourite among locals...
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

...however, overfishing is a growing problem.
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

Fishermen work in teams...
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

... to set nests to the coast.
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

The bigger the boat, the greater the potential for lucrative hauls.
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

Most fishing is still carried out using traditional methods.
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

A single motorised boat or a good catch can bring in as much as...
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

...300 dollars worth of fish in a single day.
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Credit: Travis Lupick/IPS

The water also provides a place for children to play and keep cool.