Alpha Jallow has been fishing on the river at Janjanbureh for more than 15 years. 

He is a local fisherman who works quietly and consistently to support his family of six.

Fishing is governed by the tides. Alpha lays his nets when the tide is coming in and pulls them back when it goes out. At night, he strings the nets in the dark and attaches small lights so passing boats can steer safely between them. Without this care, the nets would be destroyed.

The main fish he catches are catfish, tilapia, snake fish, and tiger fish. Tiger fish require a different type of net, which adds to the cost of fishing. Nets must be repaired regularly, and this is an ongoing expense.

In the dry season, most fishing happens at night. During the rainy season, it takes place during the day. The river decides the rhythm of the work.

It is said that sometimes he charges less for fish so that families can afford to eat. Fishing alone is not enough to support his household, so he also farms with his wife in a community garden to supplement their income.

His wooden fishing boat is more than seven years old and must be bailed constantly to keep it afloat.

The nets he lays stretch for over 200 metres, and must be repaired regularly — an ongoing cost of the work.

His work depends on knowledge, patience, and constant repair.