21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Illegal fishing of hammerhead shark and leopard ray

Early in the morning in Canoa, fishermen quietly return a leopard ray and a hammerhead shark, catch of the day. Despite Ecuador's ban on targeted shark fishing, loopholes persist, allowing trade, especially for fins. Disappearing swiftly into Canoa's alleys, they remain unseen and unknown.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Canoa, Ecuador
Camera: X-T2
Copyright: © Nathan HOUTCH