For generations, many Gambians have known no other work but fishing.

Their livelihood, though, has been threatened by the increased competition with foreign-owned industrial fishing vessels, whose crews include fellow Gambians.

Famara and Salif Ndure are brothers from the fishing community of Gunjur. They have lost more than half of their nets in recent years.

The artisanal fishermen say that the foreign fishing vessels are coming within 5 nautical miles, when they should be at least 9 nautical miles from shore.

Gambia reopened its waters in 2017 to industrial fishing after a 2015 ban.

Since then, overfishing has increased tensions between local fishermen and commercial fishing vessels.

Conflicts have intensified and become more violent.

A video obtained by The Associated Press shows a small boat being chased by a trawler. A few seconds later, someone throws stones at the fishermen.

There is no government database that tracks these incidents.

But the AP reviewed more than 20 videos showing confrontations between small fishing boats and commercial vessels since 2023.

According to the Artisanal Fisheries Association, three fishermen have died during clashes in the past two years. But crew members have also been hurt.

The Gambia Navy recently intercepted and seized three vessels for illegal fishing.

One fisherman is currently on trial for the arson attack on an Egyptian-owned vessel that severely injured two crewmen, including Kawsu Leigh.

As for the Ndure brothers, it’s also a struggle to live off Gambia’s waters.

AP Video and production by Grace Epku