Ainmathee Dhooni –Seabirds as Guides to Tuna Shoals: The Indigenous Wisdom of Maldivian Fishers

Nazim,s painting,  Tern Valla Ainmathee Dhooni

In the vast, sun-dappled waters of the Maldives, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the ocean teems with life, indigenous fishers have honed a remarkable skill: reading the behavior of seabirds to locate elusive tuna shoals. This practice, deeply embedded in Maldivian culture, reflects a profound understanding of ecological interconnections and demonstrates the ingenuity of traditional knowledge in navigating the complexities of the marine environment. Seabirds such as Frigate Birds, Roseate Terns, Lesser Crested Terns, and Sooty Terns serve as natural guides, their behaviors offering critical cues about the presence of tuna, weather patterns, and optimal fishing conditions.

Maldivian fishers interpret these avian signals, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humans, birds, and the ocean.

Seabirds as Indicators of Tuna Shoals

At the heart of this traditional practice is the observation that seabirds and tuna are linked through a shared reliance on smaller bait fish, such as sardines and anchovies. Predatory tuna drive these bait fish to the surface in a phenomenon known as a "bait ball," where they become easy prey for diving seabirds. Maldivian fishers have learned to recognize the behaviors of specific seabird species as indicators of these feeding frenzies, which signal the presence of tuna below.Frigate Birds, with their majestic soaring flight and distinctive inflated throat pouches, are among the most reliable guides. In the early morning, their presence in the sky is a promising sign of large schools of bait fish, which in turn suggests tuna activity beneath. Fishers note that when Frigate Birds gather above a particular area, their keen eyesight has likely spotted a commotion of bait fish driven upward by tuna. This visual cue directs fishers to prime fishing grounds, transforming the open ocean into a map marked by avian signals.

Similarly, terns such as the Lesser Crested varieties are vital indicators. These agile, graceful birds dive into the water to catch small fish, their movements betraying the presence of tuna-driven bait balls. The Sooty Tern, locally known as Vaali or Valla Amma, is particularly significant. Though not explicitly listed among the seabirds mentioned, its nocturnal vocalizations are a well-documented signal in Maldivian fishing lore. When Sooty Terns call at midnight near atolls, their distinctive cries alert fishers to nearby tuna schools. It is plausible that Roseate and Lesser Crested Terns exhibit similar vocal or behavioral patterns, serving as an early warning system for fishers preparing their boats for the day’s work.

Morning Departures and Drifting Objects

The daily rhythms of seabirds provide further clues for Maldivian fishers. In the early morning, seabirds depart from their resting sites—such as remote islands or Oivaali (drifting objects like logs or debris that attract marine life)—to feed. These departures are not random; they often point directly to areas rich with bait fish and, by extension, tuna. Fishers observe the direction and urgency of these flights, using them as a compass to navigate the vast ocean. A flock of terns or Frigate Birds streaming purposefully from an Oivaali signals a nearby feeding ground, guiding fishers to cast their nets with confidence.This practice underscores the ecological sophistication of Maldivian fishers, who recognize that Oivaali serve as natural aggregation points for marine life. These drifting objects attract small fish seeking shelter, which in turn draw tuna and seabirds. By following the birds’ movements away from such sites, fishers tap into a dynamic web of predator-prey interactions, leveraging the birds’ superior vantage point to locate their quarry.

Seabirds as Weather Predictors

Beyond their role in locating tuna, seabirds also serve as natural meteorologists, helping fishers anticipate dangerous weather conditions. The early arrival of Frigate Birds and terns to land is a telltale sign of approaching storms or rough seas. In the Maldives, where sudden weather changes can pose significant risks to small fishing vessels, this predictive ability is invaluable. Fishers interpret the birds’ behavior—such as an unusually early return to coastal roosts or a mass movement toward shelter—as a warning to delay their expeditions or seek safe harbor. This aspect of seabird observation not only enhances fishing success but also ensures the safety of those who venture into the unpredictable ocean.

Cultural and Ecological Significance

The reliance on seabirds reflects a broader Maldivian worldview that sees humans as part of a larger ecological system. This traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, is not merely practical but also cultural, weaving together stories, observations, and practices that define the identity of Maldivian fishers. The names given to seabirds, such as Vaali or Valla Amma, carry a sense of familiarity and reverence, underscoring the intimate bond between the people and their environment. By reading the behaviors of Frigate Birds, terns, and other species, fishers engage in a dialogue with nature, interpreting its signs with a precision honed by centuries of experience.

Ecologically, this practice highlights the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. Seabirds, bait fish, and tuna form a dynamic food web, with each species influencing the others’ behavior. Maldivian fishers, by aligning their activities with these natural rhythms, practice a form of sustainable fishing that respects the balance of the ecosystem. Unlike modern industrial fishing methods, which often rely on sonar or satellite data, this traditional approach is low-impact and deeply attuned to the environment, demonstrating the value of indigenous knowledge in resource management.

Challenges and Modern Relevance

In the modern era, however, this traditional practice faces challenges. Overfishing, climate change, and habitat degradation threaten both tuna populations and the seabirds that depend on them. Rising sea temperatures and changing ocean currents may disrupt the migratory patterns of bait fish and tuna, altering the reliability of seabird cues. Additionally, the decline of seabird populations due to Habitat Destruction, pollution, plastic ingestion, or loss of breeding Sandbanks (Finolhu) sites, could weaken the ecological signals fishers rely on. As younger generations increasingly turn to modern technologies or urban livelihoods, there is also a risk that this cultural knowledge may fade.

Yet, the wisdom of Maldivian fishers remains profoundly relevant. Scientists and conservationists are beginning to recognize the value of indigenous ecological knowledge in understanding marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable fishing practices. By studying how seabirds signal the presence of tuna, researchers can gain insights into fish behavior and distribution, informing conservation strategies. Moreover, integrating traditional practices with modern tools—such as combining seabird observations with satellite imagery—could enhance the efficiency and sustainability of small-scale fisheries

Summary

Maldivian fishers demonstrate their ingenuity and ecological knowledge by using seabirds to locate tuna shoals.

By interpreting the soaring flights of Frigate Birds, the nocturnal calls of Sooty Terns, and the diving patterns of Roseate and Lesser Crested Terns, fishers navigate the ocean with precision, locate abundant fishing grounds, and stay safe from unpredictable weather. This practice is more than a survival strategy; it is a cultural legacy that reflects a deep connection to the marine environment. As the Maldives faces modern challenges, preserving and integrating this traditional knowledge with contemporary conservation efforts offers a path toward sustainable fishing and a reminder of the enduring value of indigenous wisdom. In the dance of seabirds above the waves, Maldivian fishers find not just fish, but a way of life rooted in harmony with the natural world.

Source :

Ali Shafeeq H. Shafeequge