Fisherman, repairing nets, Ostend harbour, Belgium.

Ostend is one of the most important fishing ports in Belgium.

It could once boast a thriving fishing industry, although fish quotas, low fish stocks, high fuel costs and decreased fish prices have all contributed to the decline of the fishing community.

Efforts are continually made to keep the character of the port alive, which include the installation of large scale photographic portraits of fishermen along the harbour.

"Ostend is not a port, it is a city at sea." "If you take the fishing from Ostend you will have nothing left. I'm seeing fishing declining and I'm sure it will disappear if we don't do something now!"

Willy Versluys, fishing fleet owner, Oostende.

Background picture: Stephan VanFleteren.