Tidal change. Nighttime crab fishing.

In the wheelhouse of his crab cutter AnnemarieBased on the island of Pellworm, Fritz Ronnebeck navigates through the night, focused on course, tides, and the invisible currents that have defined his work for decades. The deck lights cut bright cones into the darkness, while outside, waves crash against the bow. These are moments that hardly anyone sees – yet they shape the daily life of the shrimp fishery on the west coast.

Fishing trip – nets, teamwork and routine

During my nighttime ride on the Annemarie I observed the work on board: hauling in the nets, sorting the crabs, the physical routine, the crew's silent cooperation, and the concentration in the wheelhouse during maneuvers. The images show a fishery that lives to the rhythm of the tides – and is simultaneously undergoing profound change.

Fritz Ronnebeck has been piloting his cutter for many years. His experience is evident in every movement, in every glance out. Working alongside him is Katrin Knudsen, who has a long history in the shrimp fishery. Her work with the nets, under the glare of the night lights, highlights the physical demands of this profession: precise, routine, and focused.

Processing on board – from catch to cooking pot

The procedures on board follow a strict order. After the nets are hauled in, the crabs first enter a funnel and from there a rotating sieve drum that separates the water from the bycatch. They then fall directly into the cooking kettle, which is filled with hot seawater. There they are cooked to prevent spoilage and ensure they remain seaworthy. The rising steam, visible in some of the photos, is as much a part of these nighttime voyages as the sound of the sea.

Crab fishing in transition – challenges in the national park

Shrimp fishing in the Wadden Sea National Park faces major challenges today. Rising operating costs, stricter environmental regulations, pressure from international markets, and the effects of climate change are altering the conditions for fishermen and women on the west coast. At the same time, special rules apply within the national park: fishing areas, closed seasons, technical specifications for nets, and measures to protect juvenile fish and benthic organisms.

These companies have been using sustainable fishing methods for years, reducing bycatch and minimizing the impact on the seabed. However, balancing economic viability with ecological responsibility remains a challenging task.

Changing Tides – Preview of Exhibition and Book

The night fishing trip on the Annemarie is part of my long-term project tideThe images will be featured in the upcoming exhibition and accompanying book. They tell the story of work at sea, the people who do it, and a coastal landscape in flux.