Wailihang Tuna Fishing Tradition and the Struggles of Local Fishers
- April 30, 2025
by Asis Buton and Putra Satria Timur
Buru Island, one of the largest islands in Maluku Province, is renowned for its abundant natural resources—especially in fisheries. Among its villages, Wailihang stands out, often nicknamed the “Tuna Village” for its rich tuna harvests.
Fishers in Wailihang rely on a traditional fishing method called handline fishing (pancing ulur). This gear uses a single fishing line and hook with a stone sinker, making it an environmentally friendly technique that targets one fish at a time.
A Fortunate Partnership Between Wailihang Fishers and Dolphins
Wailihang’s traditional fishing practices go beyond the gear—they also include unique tuna-finding methods. Fishers often speed out to sea in small boats, following dolphins and seabirds.
While many see dolphins and seabirds as rare spectacles during marine tours, Wailihang fishers see them as signs of luck.
“Dolphins and seabirds usually chase small fish that tuna feed on. When we see them, we know tuna is nearby,” explained Darman Buton, a local fisher.
By following dolphins, many fishers could earn millions of rupiah in a single trip. The tuna trade significantly improved their lives, even allowing some to send their children to university—something rarely achieved by past generations in Wailihang.
Read also: Latest in Buru: From fisher-led cooperative to fish supplier
A Decline of Tuna Fishing in Wailihang
Unfortunately, that prosperity is now a thing of the past. These days, the beach in Wailihang feels deserted in the late afternoon. Boats that once filled the sea now sit idle on land. Some have even been sold because they’re no longer used.
The decline began with a sharp drop in tuna stocks. As fish became scarce, many fishers changed professions—some now drive motorcycle taxis, work construction jobs, farm, or mine.
According to MDPI data, Wailihang’s yellowfin tuna catch dropped by 94% between 2015 and 2023. The average size of caught tuna also shrank—from 82–104 cm to just 48–69 cm.
“All my children finished university thanks to the sea and the tuna we caught using handlines,” said one fisher. “But now, handline tuna fishing just doesn’t provide a future anymore.”
Local Observation: Fish Aggregating Devices Serve as a Double-Edged Sword
Local fishers blame the massive drop in catch on the rise of FADs (fish aggregating devices). Although FADs are designed to gather fish in one place for easier catch, they have backfired for small-scale fishers.
Unsustainable placement of FADs benefits only a few. Most FADs belong to companies or renowned individuals. When fish gather around them, larger boats using nets quickly scoop up huge quantities. In contrast, handline boats that catch one fish at a time can’t compete.
“FADs are now placed so close together that tuna won’t swim near the shore anymore. And purse seiners from other cities are draining our water dry,” one Wailihang fisher complained.
Tuna needs one to two months to return to a FAD. Even dolphins, once dependable allies in locating fish, have become harder to find.
“We tried placing our own FAD too, but there’s no more space left in these waters. And if we try fishing around someone else’s FAD, they don’t allow it,” local fisher added.
Policy and Hope: Managing FAD for the Future
The government has issued two main regulations on FAD—one outlining how to place them, and another limiting their number in a given area. These policies could help Wailihang fishers protect their livelihoods. But success depends on strong enforcement and widespread outreach.
Fisheries stakeholders must support these rules by registering and placing FAD in accordance with the law. If implemented properly, FAD management could restore tuna stocks in Buru and support not just Wailihang fishers—but everyone who depends on this vital resource.
Read also: Achieving the Marine Stewardship Council Certification for Tuna Fishers in Buru