Goa, Jan. 7 -- Fish is a staple in most Goan homes, and for many coastal families, fishing is not just part of their culture but their only source of livelihood. In Betul village, several families continue to rely on traditional fishing and seashell collection methods passed down through generations, earning just enough to survive.

Among them are Kiran Morje and Ravindra Zovatkar, who have been collecting seashells for over two decades. Using small wooden boats known locally as vade, they travel to the point where the river meets the sea. There, they anchor the boat and dive deep underwater to collect shells such as khube, tisryo, shinane and calva.

Their work is extremely hazardous. Despite wearing protective headgear, gloves and goggl...