**'The fish fled': Nile fishermen now earning more from collecting plastic than fish** In the heart of Egypt, a crisis has unfolded on the banks of the Nile River. For over a decade, fishermen in Cairo's Giza island have struggled to make ends meet due to declining fish populations. Mohammed Ahmed Sayed Mohammed, a 60-year-old fisherman, shares a poignant story of how plastic pollution has taken over the river, forcing him to adapt to a new profession - collecting plastic waste. Mohammed's tale is not unique; out of approximately 180 fishermen on al-Qarsaya island, many have abandoned traditional fishing for waste collection. This shift is largely attributed to the success of an initiative called VeryNile, launched in 2018 by the Egyptian social enterprise Bassita. The program pays fishermen above-market rates for collected plastic waste, providing an economic alternative as fish populations dwindle due to pollution. In the past, Mohammed would catch up to 25kg of fish daily during winter, selling them at 70 Egyptian pounds per kilogram. However, with the fish population dwindling, his catch has reduced to 4-5kg, generating a meager income. On the other hand, collecting plastic waste has become a lucrative business. Mohammed earns 33 pounds per kilogram for plastic, significantly higher than the 8 pounds he received in 2018. Even tin cans fetch a higher price, selling for 85 pounds per kilogram. During the summer low season, Mohammed collects 20kg of plastic daily, earning up to 2,000-3,000 pounds monthly from plastic alone. This income has enabled him to support his family, including his three children and 12 grandchildren, who live with him on the island. Mohammed's story highlights the impact of plastic pollution on Egypt's fishing industry and the creative solutions being implemented to address the crisis. While the Nile River remains a vital source of livelihood for many Egyptians, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges posed by plastic waste and work towards a more sustainable future for the nation's fishermen.