1590s (approx.): Enslaved Africans were utilized for the hazardous labor of pearl-fishing in the coastal waters off Venezuela to generate wealth for the Span…

1590s (approx.): Enslaved Africans were utilized for the hazardous labor of pearl-fishing in the coastal waters off Venezuela to generate wealth for the Spanish Empire. Captives were forced to dive into three or four fathoms of water, using hoop-nets to scrape oysters from the seabed while holding their breath for long intervals. Along with gold and silver, these pearls were primary exports used by Spanish America to finance the continued deportation of African captives. This specific industry was notoriously dangerous and resulted in a high loss of life among the divers subjected to these conditions.