Saparua is an island east of Ambon Island in the Indonesian province of Maluku – also known as the Spice Islands. The island (including Maolana – a small island located near it southwestern side belonging to the same administrative district) covers a land area of 168.1 km2, and had a population of 32,312 as of the 2010 census. The inhabitants of Saparua speak the Saparua language, as well as Indonesian and Ambonese Malay.
How was your tuna caught?
The Saparua Island handline Yellowfin tuna fishery consists of small single-handed boats that go out to sea for 1 day at a time. Fishermen travel out to sea in groups and locate tuna schools using natural cues such as dolphins or birds, as school of tuna naturally associate with these. Fishermen use highly selective handline gear: one line, one hook, one tuna. The average daily catch usually consists of 1 to 3 large tuna and smaller other fish for the local market.
A fisherman pulls Tuna fish caught by hand-line in the Buru Sea, Maluku Province. People in Buru Island have used this traditional fishing method since the 16th century. Photo credit: Oscar Siagian/Greenpeace