Sustainable octopus fisheries with Tubir Octopus Fishermen Group / Kelompo Nelayan Gurita Tubir (Indonesia)

 

 

The organization and local perspectives on conservation and stewardship

 

Kelompo Nelayan Gurita Tubir/Tubir Octopus Fishermen Group is made up of octopus fishermen in Merpas Village, Kaur Regency, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. Traditional fishermen use simple tools such as wire, artificial bait, and spearguns. One hundred and seven male fishers are active in Merpas Village, catching different target species according to the season. Fishing methods include walking along the coral reefs at low tide, fishing with a 5L jerry can around the edge of the waves, diving with arrows/spearguns, and fishing using small boats.

 

The purpose of conservation and environmental management is to make optimal use of resources, without destroying them. It is important to ensure that fisheries and marine resources remain sustainable, which means balancing harvesting and protection in order to maintain the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal communities.

 

Stewardship experience: Octopus fishery management and habitat management

 

The issue or problem being addressed

Reduced fish resources, damage to fish habitat (coral reefs and seagrass beds) due to over-exploitation and destructive gear use, as well as pollution from land and human activities. 

 

The activities

This project is currently in its early stages, what we are doing is collecting octopus census data to establish a sound fisheries management plan. This data collection is important as an initial stage for the basis of management and conservation. The data collected includes: the number of catches, sex, head length, weight, fishing location and data on fishermen who target octopus. From the results of the data obtained, we will look into whether the current catch by fishermen is sustainable or not, what an appropriate catch level would be, and which areas need conservation as habitat and spawning grounds for brood stock.

Conservation efforts are carried out based on an agreement with the community to temporarily close certain areas that become critical habitats and to sort out catches based on size and sex. Preserving the habitat of octopuses in coral reefs is the primary local motivation for recording and managing fisheries and preserving coral reef ecosystems and marine ecosystems, so the fishery remains viable.

 

The benefits/impacts including sustainability/environmental effects

The current action being carried out is still at the data collection stage, so while environmental impacts are yet to be felt, the benefit is to provide knowledge and understanding of the environment within the community, and to build skills and management capacity so that the octopus fishery can be effectively and sustainably managed into the future.

 

The success and significance of the activities

The community has come together to address an issue that threatens their food and livelihood security. They are working together to gain knowledge and build local capacity, and proving that fishers and other members of the community are capable of being effective partners in environmental conservation.

 

Some lessons learned or words of wisdom

The sea as a source of livelihood must be maintained and preserved so that it is sustainable for future generations.

Environmental conservation and management must actively involve the community … educate continuously about the importance of environmental preservation, conservation, collective action and sustainability.

 

 

For more information on this initiative, visit: https://blog.blueventures.org/en/maryana-and-the-octopus-fisherwomen-of-merpas-village/

 

 

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Fishery Facts

(Below are the applicable categories of fisheries, environment, species, gear type and livelihood role.)

 

Fishery characteristics:

• Marine capture fishery (e.g. nearshore/coastal/reef-based/deep sea) 
• Recreational/ sport fishery 
• Subsistence fishery

The environment where fishing takes place: 

• Coastal – Nearshore / Lagoon / Coral

Main species targeted:

• Molluscs (including bivalves and cephalopods – e.g. octopus/clams)
• Crustaceans (e.g. shrimp/prawn/lobster)

Gear types/ methods used:

• Pot/trap
• Dive
• Beach harvest/gleaning (e.g. collection of shellfish/algae/mangrove crabs etc.)

Role of the fishery in local livelihoods:

• Main source of employment
• Full-time