Patrick Barth • Photographer
Percebeiros of Galicia
On the north western coast of Galicia in Spain (called Costa de la Morte - coast of death) a small group of fisherman dedicate their lives to hunting Percebes, Spain's most expensive and sought after shell-fish. Because of its' need for oxygen the highest quality Percebes grow on the most dangerous places of the Costa de la Morte. Using open rowing boats and free-climbing the steep coast the fishermen put their lives at risk on a day to day basis in order to scrape these expensive animals off steep rocks surrounded by crashing waves.
On the north western coast of Galicia in Spain (called Costa de la Morte - coast of death) a small group of fisherman dedicate their lives to hunting Percebes, Spain's most expensive and sought after shell-fish. Because of its' need for oxygen the highest quality Percebes grow on the most dangerous places of the Costa de la Morte. Using open rowing boats and free-climbing the steep coast the fishermen put their lives at risk on a day to day basis in order to scrape these expensive animals off steep rocks surrounded by crashing waves.
© 1995 - 2007 Patrick Barth