In thrall to THE SEA

Our island nation is surrounded by water - here, three women share their special bond with it

- JENNY JEFFERIES

'The mystery of the sea never fails to amaze me'

Khatiche Larcombe, 35, of Sista Shuck!, is a fishmonger, and shucks [shells] oysters with her twin Rebekah, currently in Deptford, London.

I grew up in a small former fishing town in South Devon, just a 10-minute walk from the sea. My earliest memories are of the sounds and smells of the ocean, so the sea has been a part of me for as long as I can remember.

I've lived in London for many years, so I'm no longer as close to the sea as I'd like! I visit Devon as often as I can, and whenever I'm abroad, I find myself by the sea.

I open oysters and sell them in markets and pubs across London, and although I was born and raised in Devon, it was in the capital where I got into the fish trade. I became increasingly interested in the environmental and nutritional benefits of bivalves, and started my own business - Sista Shuck! - with Rebekah, in 2022.

The sea is my livelihood but is often so much more than that; its majesty, mystery, power and abundance never fail to amaze me.

There are many significant challenges to the British fishing industry right now, including climate change, pollution, big business, and a lack of investment in both coastal communities and sustainable aquaculture. However, there are many highlights too, for example, working with the beauty and abundance of the ocean, seeing the fruits of my labour, and providing sustainable, accessible seafood and luxury to all.

I very much hope for the future that we all gain a huge respect and a desire to protect the sea, and that we continue to enjoy clean and abundant oceans and community-owned, sustainable aquaculture that can feed everyone for generations to come.

* @twinseatworld

'I was in the water before I could walk'