A recent documentary examines that paradox.

The genesis for the project that became Of The Sea was a series of shorter profiles of contemporary fisherfolk along the North Coast. In the longer documentary, says director Mischa Hedges, they concentrated on five to represent differing aspects of the profession.
Of the Sea will be shown on KRCB television on Monday night, Dec. 12 at 9 pm. You can see the trailer for it below.