Nouadhibou—let’s go fishing in Mauritania
Nouadhibou’s fishing fleet
It’s been a couple of years since Poor John and I arrived in Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s second largest city and a major port on the Atlantic Ocean, but I remember its fish market well.
In fact, we’d heard about this fish market long before arriving in Africa. It’s a must-see for any traveller.
A fleet of local wooden boats sets out most days and the catch is available for sale each morning. You know you’ve reached the market when you come to the clapped-out cars that serve as the main points-of-sale for the catch.
Fishing nets spread out on the beach
Unfortunately we arrived too late in the day to see the cars covered in fish, but the market was still bustling, and we were able to stroll among the crowds, fish and boats.
So why does Nouadhibou come up today? It’s thanks to Global Village, a 25-minute documentary that airs every weeknight on Australia’s multicultural television station, SBS. Global Village has been going for 15 years and is SBS’s longest running series. Its stories give a glimpse of other cultures and traditions. It lets viewers ‘see the world through different eyes’.
Notice how the women are carrying their babies
Poor John and I make a point of watching it and were rewarded this week with two episodes on Nouadhibou, its fishing industry and a group of women who are trying to eke out a living in the fish trade.
Parts 1 and 2 of this insightful documentary are available to watch free of charge through SBS’s On Demand service. I’m heading off to watch them again. Hope you can check them out within the next two weeks. Maybe you’ll find some other great SBS viewing.
Part 1—link expires at 6pm, 31 March 2014
Part 2—link expires at 6pm, 1 April 2014
Oops! A friend in Kenya tells me the clips will not play outside Australia. Bummer.
Lunch among the nets
Where to next? 
Hi Peggy,
Those fish markets look really interesting. And thank you for the tip about being able to find Global Village on the SBS on-demand service. I hadn’t heard of this program before. And as always, thank you for the great photos.
LikeLike
Hope you enjoy Global Village. It’s on weekdays at 5:30pm on SBS.
LikeLike
Sooo, where is Nouadhibou, Mauritania ? I had to use Google Earth to find out. I enjoy traveling and maps and Google Earth is a great “companion” source in which to follow LeggyPeggy and John as they travel to many places around the WorldWideWorld. And Bummer #2″ can’t view SBS Global Villiage here in the USA. However, there are many education/travel programs on our TV, PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).
LikeLike
Hi Sy, I’m glad you found Nouadhibou. It’s a speck on the big continent of Africa. Pity that Global Village is not available outside Australia. It’s such a great little program. I’ll see if I can download it and send it to you.
LikeLike
Thanks Peggy, great memories of that part of the world.
LikeLike
My pleasure Brad. I hope you noticed yourself in the car pic.
LikeLike
Yes, I remember the photo well.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Those are wonderful pictures! It’s a shame I can’t view the program – but I’m definitely outside of Australia!
LikeLike
Glad you like the pics, but I’m also disappointed that Global Village can’t be viewed outside Australia.
LikeLike
Here in South America there is a lot I can’t view. : (
LikeLike
That’s a bummer. If you like, I’ll see if I can download these episodes of Global Village and email them to you. For that matter, I’d be happy to pursue anything you’d like to view, on the off chance I can capture it. Just let me know.
LikeLike
I tried to download, but it isn’t an option. Sorry.
LikeLike
The cars being used in that way kinda wierd’ed me out. Who would have thought, huh? Thanks for posting. Am looking forward to trekking with you from my couch with laptop. 🙂
LikeLike
Glad you’re along for the ride. I love company.
LikeLike
If the Spanish stopped filling their factory ships just offshore, with the lions share of fish. Then that market would look a great deal different. Nothing nicer than a chunky fillet of “Cod loin” yum-yum 🙂
LikeLike
Kenny, you are absolutely right. Such a pity that the government sold away the peoples’ right to feed themselves.
LikeLike
How fascinating Peggy. I haven’t been to Mauritania (yet) and hate it that we can’t get Global Village here in the US, so I’ll look for another source. I love the photo of the 2 women with their babies. So how do they get the baby in that position and are they held there by the fabric? ~Terri
LikeLike
As simple and basic as Mauritania was, I loved it. Have two of three more posts to do on it. And yes, the women of West Africa carry their babies that way, and it is the fabric that holds them in place. It’s fascinating to watch how the mums ‘truss’ them up—efficient movements and very comforting to the babies.
LikeLike