How an ancient practice in the Maldives may help protect tuna for the future

A team of Maldivian fishermen gather at the rear of their boat. With rods and barbless hooks in hand, they cast into the water, drawing in fish by scattering small baitfish across the surface. The goal is to trick the tuna into thinking there's a feast of prey below.

This technique is known as pole and line fishing, a method believed to have been first practiced in the Maldives, an island chain in the Indian Ocean, and passed down through the generations for centuries.

When they feel a bite, the fishermen swiftly swing their poles overhead, with the fish landing on the deck behind them. This method is repeated for hours, catching one fish at a time.

“Pole and line fishing is vastly different from using nets,” says Hamid Abdallah, a Maldivian fisherman. “We use this method because we want to ensure that we can continue fishing sustainably for years to come.”

“This has been our family tradition for generations,” he says. “From my ancestors to me, this is how we’ve made a living.”

Protecting tuna populations

Maldivians catch nearly 100,000 tons of tuna annually, making it the country’s largest export. In an effort to preserve this vital resource, the Maldives is promoting sustainable fishing practices across the nation.

Pole and line fishing minimizes bycatch – the unintended capture of non-target species – a common issue with other fishing techniques. “When nets are cast, they indiscriminately collect everything, regardless of type or size,” explains Abdallah. “But pole and line fishing allows us to catch fish one at a time.”

Experts agree that promoting pole and line fishing would benefit the environment. However, this method remains limited due to its labor-intensive nature, requiring skill, effort, and time.

Still, many Maldivians are committed to preserving this tradition. “When I’m out at sea for a week, I don’t mind the long hours. I’m passionate about it,” says Abdallah. “This is where my heart and soul are.”

“It’s great to see so many young people taking an interest in fishing,” he says. “I’m proud of it because it’s a tradition passed down from my father and his ancestors.”