Joan Riera & Carlos Bejarano: Life in blue

“You come and go, after kissing my village

Playing with the tide, you leave, planning to return

You are like a tar-scented woman

That It’s missed and It’s loved

That It’s known and It’s feared”

The sea has played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization throughout history. It serves as a vital source of sustenance, providing food through fishing and aquaculture, which has nourished countless populations. Coastal communities have thrived by harnessing the sea’s resources, developing unique culinary traditions and economies cantered around marine life. Not to forget one of the most appreciated leisure activities around the globe.

We are Joan and Carlos, two Friends that were born in Mallorca 22 years ago. We met seven years ago in high school and have been friends since then. A year ago, we discovered we had a common hobby, photography, and from that point onwards we have been helping each other improve and grow as photographers. Having grown both in an island in the Mediterranean Sea when got the opportunity to publish here in Docu for the first time we knew what it had to be themed on.

The sea has been a crucial avenue for trade and exploration. Ancient civilizations relied on waterways to transport goods, ideas, and cultures, leading to the establishment of trade routes that connected distant lands. Moreover, the sea has inspired human creativity and spirituality. It has been a source of inspiration for literature, art, and mythology, reflecting humanity’s deep connection to this powerful element.

The cradle of the world. If you’d asked us, this would be the sentence that we would use to describe it. Water is the essence of life. It has harvested the first civilizations and allowed humanity to grow to an unimaginable level, but we don’t have to forget that it is also the place for wildlife to prosper. It is where the seed of life flourished on our planet and where it has evolved from. Now our coasts, aside from the home of some of the most unique landscapes in the world, it is also the household of thousands of different birds that like to build its nest in the holes formed in the cliffs or on the top of costal trees.

Birds play a significant role in sailing and maritime navigation, acting as natural indicators for sailors throughout history. Their presence can signal the proximity of land, as many species are typically found near coastlines or islands. For sailors, observing the flight patterns and types of birds can provide critical information about nearby shores and potential safe harbours.

Additionally, seabirds are often indicators of fishing opportunities. Species like gulls, pelicans, and terns are known to follow schools of fish, and spotting them can guide fishermen to fruitful waters. Their behaviour, such as diving or circling, can reveal where fish are abundant, making them invaluable to both commercial and recreational fishermen.