Overfishing in South East Asia, an Ecological & Human Crisis, on view from March 20 through April 26, 2026 at the Bronx Documentary Center, presents an in-depth photographic investigation by photojournalist Nicole Tung. Developed through a nine-month reporting project supported by the Fondation Carmignac, the exhibition sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked environmental crisis unfolding across the waters of Southeast Asia. The region produces more than half of the world’s fish, yet the immense pressure placed on marine ecosystems has pushed many fisheries to the brink of collapse.
Tung’s work traces the complex web of industrial fishing operations that stretch across the seas surrounding Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia. Through photographs taken in coastal communities, fishing ports, and processing centers, she documents the often-hidden realities behind global seafood supply chains. The images reveal both the ecological consequences of depleted waters and the human toll experienced by workers and small-scale fishers whose livelihoods depend on increasingly fragile marine resources. Migrant laborers working at sea, frequently under difficult conditions, appear as central figures within this complex system.
Alongside these stark observations, the exhibition also highlights efforts aimed at protecting threatened ecosystems. Photographs and reporting examine emerging strategies such as marine protected areas and community-led economic initiatives designed to reduce pressure on fish stocks while sustaining local economies. These responses reflect attempts by governments, activists, and coastal residents to restore balance to environments that have long been treated as inexhaustible resources.
Nicole Tung, a member of the international photo collective VII Photo Agency, is widely recognized for her reporting on conflict and humanitarian issues. While much of her career focuses on war zones and political upheaval, this project turns attention toward an environmental story whose consequences extend far beyond regional waters. By following the journey of seafood from local harbors to global markets, Overfishing in South East Asia reveals the fragile connections linking oceans, communities, and consumers around the world.
Image: © Nicole Tung
Instagram 
Facebook 
Pinterest 
X / Twitter 