The Republic of Maldives is a low-lying archipelago consisting of approximately 1,190 islands grouped into 20 atolls. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and thriving tourism industry, the country has long relied on the ocean for sustenance. Even before tourism emerged in the late 1970s, Maldivians led happy and peaceful lives, honoring great kings and leaders of the world. Their primary livelihood was fishing, a practice deeply embedded in their culture and heritage.
A Deep Connection with the Ocean
For generations, Maldivians have lived off the bounty of the sea, respecting its vast resources and ensuring sustainable fishing practices. This deep reverence for nature has allowed them to preserve the richness of marine life, passing down their skills and traditions from one generation to the next. As a former president of the Maldives once said:
"Fishing is the lifeblood of our nation; it is inborn. From the soil on which we live to the sea around us, it remains an integral part of our existence. Fishing, our country, and its people are one and shall remain inseparable forever."
This statement highlights the significance of fishing in Maldivian culture. Today, the fishing industry remains the second-largest economic sector in the Maldives, employing around 22,000 people.
Traditional Fishing Methods
Historically, Maldivians practiced only a few types of fishing, primarily pelagic (open-ocean) and reef fishing. The most commonly caught species in the open ocean include various types of tuna, rainbow runners, dolphin fish, wahoo, sailfish, and some species of sharks. Reef fishing, on the other hand, focuses on high-value fish such as groupers, jacks, snappers, and green jobfish.
Tuna Fishing: A Time-Honored Tradition
Tuna fishing in the Maldives is traditionally carried out using dhonis—wooden boats originally built from coconut palm. These vessels, once powered by sails, are now motorized. A typical fishing expedition begins around 4 AM when fishermen set out to catch baitfish, as tuna prefer live bait. Shallow areas within the atolls serve as ideal bait fishing grounds. The bait is then kept alive in special wells aboard the dhoni before the fishermen head into the open ocean in search of tuna schools.
Without the aid of modern fish finders or GPS, Maldivian fishermen rely on their deep understanding of nature, following seabirds that gather above schools of tuna. Once a school is found, they use a time-tested technique known as pole-and-line fishing. The process involves:
- Throwing live bait into the water to trigger a feeding frenzy.
- Using 10- to 15-foot-long bamboo poles, fitted with barbless hooks and feathered lures, to catch the tuna.
- Swiftly pulling in fish, sometimes catching one every minute.
With six to seven fishermen working together, the deck of a dhoni can quickly become a flurry of activity, with tuna raining onto the boat. A single trip can yield 2 to 4 tonnes of tuna on a good fishing day. Upon returning home, the catch is either sold locally or delivered to processing vessels for canning and freezing.
Reef Fishing: A Growing Industry
Reef fishing in the Maldives is typically carried out using bokkuraas, smaller boats that accommodate two to three people per trip. Each expedition lasts about four to five hours, using various types of bait, such as:
- Live bait for jackfish
- Fish waste for snapper
- Feathered hooks (without bait) for green jobfish
Traditionally, reef fishing was done for household consumption rather than commercial purposes. However, with increased international demand and the booming tourism industry, reef fishing is now becoming a profitable sector. While this growth presents new opportunities, sustainable practices must be upheld. With proper regulations and effective government monitoring, the Maldives can ensure that its rich fishing grounds remain abundant for future generations.
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