In general, responsible
scuba divers and environmentalists rightfully oppose fishing off a
reef and any factors that may have a negative effect on the marine
environment. However, under certain conditions we must respect the
practices of indigenous fishermen living on these secluded islands.
Families living there have nothing else but fishing to ensure their
survival. Bearing in mind that these practices have been going on
for centuries, it is surprising to see how pristine these reefs still
are. Moreover, we have heard no reports that due to the local traditional
fishing techniques, the fish quantity or diversity has declined. We
are happy to see these people living in harmony together with nature
and envy their outlook on life.
Nain Island Reef Wall -
Tagaroan Outrigger
The reefs around these
populated islands are all world class and with very few exceptions
all rank among the world's best. One thing is definite, there are
only very few secluded undeveloped locations on our planet were you
can encounter such a profusion of hard and soft corals and variety
of fish species. Compared to many other uninhabited coastal areas
in the world where extensive reef damage has been caused by pollution,
El Nino, marine exploitation and related activities, the islands throughout
Manado Bay remain exceptional and unique for diving. Another seafaring
ethnic folk, the Bajo's, have been living at sea as long as anyone
can remember. In contrast to the Tagaroans, the Bajo's actually live
on boats or in houses built on stilts at sea. During our filming,
we heard that a small group of Bajo's had recently moved from their
original settlement, a traditional housing complex off the northern
tip of Mantehage Island, to the nearby island of Nain. We did notice
seeing several Bajo outrigger boats off the southern reef of Nain
Island which was unusual to see. The Bajo catamaran boats consist
of two dugouts connected by a strong weather and strain resistant
bamboo mesh. At the rear end of the catamaran, you can find a small
hut offering the boat owners protection against weather. Otherwise,
there is little that they posses apart from a few fishing utensils
and personal belongings. As we were told, the group of Bajo's moved
from the island due to the enduring strong west winds, bringing in
huge waves and swells over the reef flats hampering their houses and
boats. We took a closer look to assess the situation in detail and
made an interesting discovery, which may have played a vital role
in the Bajo's decision to make an island move.
When we approached Nain
Island with our boat, barely a mile north of Mantehage, we noticed
something was glittering on the surface of the sea around the island.
Looking closely, we saw thousands of floats tied to strings and ropes
spread over the entire reef flats around the island. What was actually
happening was that the locals were growing seaweed in the reef shallows
for foreign companies who produce cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
Their seaweed crop enables them a fair income compared to fishing
and other traditional income sources. The nearby Bajo's obviously
saw new lucrative business opportunities and took their chances and
moved island.
