July 24, 2011

Cormorant Fishing

This is a method of traditional fishing using the trained cormorants to fish in the rivers. Once the birds are in the water and succeeding in catching the fish, they can`t eat it. The fishermen will put a ring somewhere on the bird`s throat to prevent from any swallowing. But of course the birds will then get their prize after the hunt, they can have the seventh fish. Cormorants are pretty unique, they have long neck and they can stay under the water for quite some time. When I watched this demonstration, I was in awe. I haven`t really seen anything like this. Although not all cormorants come back with the fish, some are found to be more challenging. But it`s amazing to see and learn how people used to fish in the past using these interesting birds. Traditional yet effective.

I took these pictures somewhere along the Li River.